Being active is one of the keys to a healthier life.

Regular physical exercise not only reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke, but it also keeps your weight in check and your mood in balance. However, few realize the important health benefits – not mention the rewards - that fitness can bring to us when we reach our senior years.

“If you use your muscles and are consistent about fitness and exercise you will keep your energy, flexibility, strength and cardio - all of which are all important for functional living.” says Vicki Marsh, who has been leading fitness classes at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest for more than 20 years.

It's eight in morning and snowing outside, but a group of 60 and 70-something seniors are already warming up in the gymnasium at the Central Spokane YMCA. Marsh turns up the music, puts on her headset and tells everyone to get moving. It doesn't take much encouraging before the class is walking briskly around the basketball court. Marsh keeps the pace and mood lively as the activities  change between walking, jogging, stretching and building strength with resistance bands.

It's a fun, supportive and healthy atmosphere. But there are many older adults who don’t exercise.

Jerry Williams, 76, was one of those. “I thought I was fit by doing all my yard work and those sorts of things. But I started walking two miles a day with a friend and I was getting really tired. I quickly realized that I wasn't in as good of shape as I had thought.”

Williams had been working out at the YMCA three times a week for just a few months when he saw a huge difference in his overall fitness level. “My stamina has increased greatly, I've got greater balance and I feel more youthful,” he says, taking a breather between classes.

Like many mature adults, Williams has suffered from joint and hip pain. He had bursitis pain in both hips over the years, and neither cortisone shots or physical therapy offered much relief.  Yet, here here he is smiling and full of energy. “When I started this class, I could not jog because my pelvic area was so stiff.  Now I've got extra mobility and my pain is gone.”

The evidence is clear: exercise benefits people of all ages. Williams has discovered that feeling fit and healthy is not the only reward.
“I've met a wonderful lady in the class, and we've become good friends and started dating,” he says.
“That right there makes me feel like I'm 50 years old again.”

Let's face it, we all know we need to exercise. Regular exercise is a vital part of staying healthy over the course of a lifetime. What can you do to get going on getting fit? Take the advice from these local experts and you'll be well on your way.