Exercise for Older Adults

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can exercise do for me?
   Click for Answer
   
   
2. What is the difference between exercise and physical activity?
   Click for Answer
   
   
3. How do my muscles work?
   Click for Answer
   
   
4. Is it true that most people lose 20 to 40 percent of their muscle tissue as they age?
   Click for Answer
   
   
5. If I have a chronic condition, should I consult a physician before exercising?
   Click for Answer
   
   
6. What health conditions would compel me to consult a physician before exercising?
   Click for Answer
   
   
7. What safety tips should I follow if I've had hip repair or replacement?
   Click for Answer
   
   
8. How do I know if I'm doing vigorous activity?
   Click for Answer
   
   
9. Do I need a personal trainer?
   Click for Answer
   
   
10. Do I need special clothing?
    Click for Answer
    
    
11. Do I need to buy any special equipment?
    Click for Answer
    
    
12. Should I eat or drink anything special?
    Click for Answer
    
    
13. What kinds of exercise should I do?
    Click for Answer
    
    
14. How can strength exercises help me?
    Click for Answer
    
    
15. What safety tips should I follow for strength exercises?
    Click for Answer
    
    
16. How can I tell if my lower body strength is increasing?
    Click for Answer
    
    
17. How can I tell if my upper body strength is increasing?
    Click for Answer
    
    
18. How can balance exercises help me?
    Click for Answer
    
    
19. What safety tips should I follow for balance exercises?
    Click for Answer
    
    
20. How can I tell if my balance is improving?
    Click for Answer
    
    
21. How can flexibility exercises help me?
    Click for Answer
    
    
22. What safety tips should I follow for flexibility exercises?
    Click for Answer
    
    
23. How can endurance exercises help me?
    Click for Answer
    
    
24. What safety tips should I follow for endurance exercises?
    Click for Answer
    
    
25. How can I tell if my endurance is increasing?
    Click for Answer
    
    
26. How much exercise should I get each week?
    Click for Answer
    
    
27. Is there a way to measure how hard I'm exercising?
    Click for Answer
    
    
28. What is the Target Heart Rate?
    Click for Answer
    
    
29. Who should use the Target Heart Rate?
    Click for Answer
    
    
30. How do I use the Target Heart Rate method?
    Click for Answer
    
    
31. How frequently should I assess my progress?
    Click for Answer
    
    
32. How can I stay motivated to exercise?
    Click for Answer
    
    
33. What can I do for extra motivation?
    Click for Answer
    
    
34. How can I keep on track with my exercise routine?
    Click for Answer
    
    
35. Are there any other resources from the National Institutes of Health which can help older people learn about exercise?
    Click for Answer