Spring Fling with Fitness

Kick off the season with a healthy, active routine for a better life with tips from wellness guru Gail Knaup

As the weather warms up, it's a great time to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle while enjoying the best of Mother Nature.

Gail Knaup, licensed physical therapist assistant and wellness coordinator at Saxony Village Retirement Community in Cape Girardeau, says springtime is a great motivator for amping up your activity level, whether through traditional exercises such as walking or bicycling, or fun outdoor alternatives like gardening.

The benefits list is lengthy, says Knaup. Regular exercise can help prevent or delay a wide range of health problems -- from diabetes to heart disease. It can also reduce arthritis pain and help curb anxiety and depression. And above all, regular physical activity helps keep seniors independent.

The National Institute on Aging recommends seniors take part in four basic types of exercise:

* Endurance activities, like walking, swimming, or riding a bike, which build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system.

* Strengthening exercises which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss

* Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible

* Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall

Depending on your current exercise routine, Knaup recommends starting slowly and building up your activity level as you increase your strength and stamina. Moderate activities are safe for most people, but if you have health issues -- heart disease or arthritis, for example ¬-- speak with your doctor about a specific exercise routine that is best for you, says Knaup. A few fun alternatives to get you out and about and burning calories this spring:

PAINTING -- Take nature's inspiration and capture it on canvas. Grab an easel and art supplies and go hunting for artistic inspiration. A 40-minute walk to find the perfect vista can burn as much as 120 calories.

GARDENING -- You can burn about 200 calories per hour digging, planting and reaping the benefits of a garden.

KITE-FLYING -- No, it's not just for kids. And you can enjoy the a beautiful spring breeze while burning about 100 calories with just 20 minutes of kite flying.

BADMINTON -- A casual, non-competitive 20-minute game will net you 100 calories burned.

Learn more about living an active lifestyle by visiting www.saxonyvillage.com.