CrossFit for older adults

We have previously reviewed the benefits of CrossFit for older adults in order to be ‘Fit for life after 50’. The pitfalls of a sedentary lifestyle are there for all to see, regardless of age. Hundreds of research papers support this, outlining the risk factors of physical inactivity.

The Facts

• 3.2 million deaths per year attributed to physical inactivity (World Health Organisation, 2013)

• There is a direct link between physical inactivity, low cardiovascular fitness and the presence of chronic health conditions (Blair et al., 2012)

• FIVE leading risk factors amongst older adult populations:

  High blood pressure

  Smoking

  High blood glucose

  Physical inactivity

  Obesity

bottom line …. eat healthy foods in moderation, stay physically active and don’t smoke anything other than a cigar (when you win the CrossFit Games : – )

Only 20% of men and 15% of women aged 65 – 74 years achieved the recommended activity levels in the UK. These figures dropped to 9% and 6% for men and women in the over 75 years category. (British Heart Foundation, 2012)

Other than the clear benefits of exercise in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and weight management problems, there are numerous other improvements in the following areas that shouldn’t be overlooked:

• Bone Density
• Mood / Mindset
• Confidence / Independence
• Social Interactions / Friendships
• Reduced incidence of dementia

A couple of our members who fall in to the over 55 age bracket kindly gave us their thoughts on how CrossFit has changed their lives. Read what Tom Brooke and Mike Redshaw had to say about their experiences at CrossFit Leyland.

Maintenance of functional independence is crucial to sustain a high quality of life as we head towards our retirement years.