7202 Giles Rd, Ste 7

La Vista, NE 68128 USA

402-932-6006

Senior Fitness

Bob Barker, beloved host of The Price Is Right, recently made headlines by announcing his retirement after 35 years. "Barker irreplaceable!" blared the entertainment tabloids. And yet, Mr. Barker celebrated his 82nd birthday a few months ago.

Eighty-two! Who really are the "seniors" among us? And what does "senior" mean in today's world? Certainly, America's population is aging by the minute. Baby boomers are rapidly closing in on their 60th birthdays. But most of those in this huge group (more than 76 million)1 are resisting the concept of "getting older" and searching for ways to stay healthy and fit and well.

Fitness programs provide a major answer to these challenges. Yet, there are many questions. What to do? How to get started? What if I have health issues - can I still get fit?

Before we dive in, some special concerns need attention. Baby boomers and those even older must address decreased flexibility and possibly - temporarily - decreased stamina. Medical issues, including osteoporosis2, high blood pressure3, and diabetes, as well as overweight/obesity, must be considered when beginning a new fitness plan.

The bottom line - have a complete physical exam with your chiropractic physician and/or family physician, and make sure you're good to go. Start slowly and easily, making gradual progress, and adding intensity and duration over the first several months.

Begin a walking-for-fitness program. Walking is fantastic exercise! Do 10 minutes at an easy pace the first day, build up to walking around the block, gradually building up over a 12-week period to a brisk 30-minute walk.

Also, begin lifting weights. Many helpful books are available, or ask a friend who knows what they're doing to show you the ropes. Start slowly, carefully, gradually. Train your upper body and lower body on separate days. Make sure you're focusing, paying attention, and working within yourself!

Nutrition is just as important as exercise in regaining the level of fitness we need to live healthy, long lives. Eating right requires some mental toughness, and it may take a while to build new habits. The payoff comes quickly, though, and is tremendously empowering.

We want to be fit for the rest of our lives. How to keep it all going? Here are a few tips from the fitness front lines -
• Writing down a weekly plan. This keeps your workout and nutritional goals fresh. They're right there, on your desk or refrigerator, where you see them every day.
• Vary your routines. Change your workouts every few weeks. Ride a bike if you've been walking. Use dumbbells instead of machines. Vary your fruits and vegetables, and vary your sources of protein.
• Set up a buddy system or join a fitness club. The support of a group of friends who share your lifestyle goals, can make a big difference.

And, most importantly, have fun!

1MetLife Mature Market Institute Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000.
2Carter ND, et al: Community-based exercise program reduces risk factors for falls in 65- to 75-year-old women with osteoporosis: randomized controlled trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal 67(9): 997-1004, 2002.
3Staessen JA et al: Life style as a blood pressure determinant. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 89(9): 484-489, 1996.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

By Appointment

Closed

Friday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

by appointment

Closed

Sunday:

By Appointment

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I was very impressed with Dr. Nick's knowledge of how the central nervous system works and how clearly he explained the entire process with me. It just really makes sense that my spine has to be aligned for all of my body's functions to work properly."
    Tara B.
  • "I appreciate the time Dr. Nick takes to thoroughly examine me and explain my treatment and condition to me in detail. The staff is very friendly and down to earth. It has definitely helped my symptoms so that keeps me coming back."
    Michelle A.
  • "When I first came to the office everyone was very welcoming. Dr. Nick was very passionate about what he does and very willing to do whatever it is to help his patients maintain their care."
    Deanna B.
  • "The knowledge and information I received here led me to make proper changes in order to prevent long term damage/pain."
    Tyrel
  • "I really liked the fact that Dr. Nick didn't just adjust me and then send me on my way. Everyone in the office works to help correct my health problems and not just help it for the time being."
    Sam D.
  • "Dr. Nick and staff are always so sincere and personable. Their dedication and caring goes well beyond the skeletal correction performed on a regular basis. They care about your total health and well being which plays a huge role in your immediate recovery."
    Kathy E.
  • "I love Dr. Lindsay! She has helped my back and sciatic nerve pain so much. I highly recommend them to anyone who has any issues!"
    Meghan Elizabeth S.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles