As we age, certain health risks inevitably increase, with almost 50% of accidental deaths in those aged 65+ coming from falls. While everyone can benefit from barre fitness, those entering their retirement years can reap particularly positive rewards. This workout is perfect for anyone looking to stay active and healthy because it protects the joints and decreases the risk of falls, two major health concerns that develop as we age. One of the most unique benefits of barre fitness is its focus on low-impact exercise that prevents injury while developing lean, stable muscle tone. With a strong focus on core strength, alignment, and form, barre fitness is a great choice for those looking to protect the joints, improve overall strength, increase balance and stability, and compliment an active lifestyle.
How Barre Helps Protect Joints As We Age
Compared to walking and biking, barre fitness is a low impact activity. Low impact exercise is a key component to a healthy, active retirement. As we age, we lose both muscle and bone mass. Age-related bone and muscle loss has a critical impact on overall health, and that impact accelerates after 65. As our bones and muscles inevitably weaken, joints become more unstable and prone to injury. In addition, as activity decreases, joints can lose natural mobility and begin to deteriorate. Participating in a low impact activity that is designed to build lean muscle while focusing on alignment can have a substantial effect on keeping the natural aging process at bay. In addition, the ballet bar (used to stabilize and balance the body during barre fitness classes) provides another level of protection for joints during weight-bearing exercise.
Barre Fitness Can Decrease The Risk Of Falls After 65
The key focus of barre fitness is stability, alignment, and form. Barre exercise moves often activate and target the core muscles, those crucial muscles that contribute to overall body stability, balance, and posture. After retirement, the risk of accidental death from a fall increases astronomically, and the best way to reduce fall risk is to improve stability and balance. Barre fitness just does that, and offers an additional protection against falls during the activity through the use of the ballet bar to stabilize the body as you perform certain movements. In addition, strength training by way of weight bearing activity, like barre fitness, reduces fall risk by slowing down age related muscle loss.
Barre fitness is clearly a great option to keep fit, healthy, and active during retirement years while simultaneously protecting our joints and preventing falls. While no one solution will prevent natural age-related decline, practicing low impact activities that build strength and stability will positively impact quality of life during retirement years. Barre fitness classes are becoming more popular across many cities for good reason, and are a great choice for anyone, young or old, looking for a low impact activity to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle.
