The benefits of exercise go beyond fitness. Evidence tells us that keeping active can reduce our risk of chronic diseases, writes Elossa founder Lilliana Barone
This month is a celebration of seniors, with the NSW Seniors Festival running for 2 weeks in March. This year’s theme is “Reach Beyond”, which reminds us that challenging ourselves to do more should not be limited by age. In fact, one of the keys to healthy aging is to keep our mind and body active as we age.
The benefits of regular physical activity on health are well known, however, the 2021 National Health Survey found 1 in 2 people aged 65 and over did not meet the Australian exercise guidelines of at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most, preferably all days.
Losing muscle mass and strength is a natural part of aging and is called “Sarcopenia”. There is a perception that this is inevitable and therefore nothing can be done about it. But science tells us otherwise. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle strength and function that not only impacts our ability to engage in physical activity but also carry out our day-to-day activities, such as carrying groceries, hanging out the washing and walking the dog. However, research has shown us that Sarcopenia can be slowed, stopped and even reversed by combining balance and aerobic training with resistance exercise.
The benefits of exercise go beyond fitness. Evidence tells us that keeping active can reduce our risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Exercise also helps maintain strong bones, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Exercise has emerged as a key treatment for reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The UK Alzheimer’s Society states: “Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, taking regular physical exercise appears to be one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia.”
With so many reasons to exercise, many older people still feel very uncomfortable joining a regular gym. And that’s where Elossa Fitness comes in.
Elossa is a specialised gym for ages 60+ which has circuits designed to improve functional fitness and combat sarcopenia with a combination strength, aerobic and balance training. Each circuit class is led by a team of university-trained Accredited Exercise Physiologists so members always receive the latest expert and science-based advice and guidance.
Elossa is a safe and supervised studio where no matter what level of fitness and no matter what age, members are able to meet physical activity guidelines and become stronger and healthier. Elossa strives to provide a space where members can be safely challenged to reach their goals, as well as a space that encourages social connection and a sense of fun which is also important as we age.
Elossa has been open in Corrimal since 2022 and has recently opened at 2/7 Minga Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre.
If you are ready to “Reach Beyond” and become a healthier and fitter version of yourself so that you can Do More, book into an initial assessment with one of Elossa’s exercise physiologists by calling 0468 357 720 or visit www.elossafitness.com.
To celebrate the Seniors Festival and the Illawarra Flame’s first Shellharbour edition, Elossa are offering 1/2 price initial assessments. Book an Initial Assessment and bring along a copy of this article to your assessment to redeem the offer. This offer expires 30 April 2024.
Visit the Elossa website
