The importance of a healthy, active lifestyle has never been more obvious. One way to achieve and maintain a healthy body is thru participation in a group exercise class. If you are over 55 years of age, meaningful physical fitness can help you look and feel better as well as live longer. Check out these three beneficial group exercise classes and how they can increase your quality of life.

1. Water Aerobics

One popular form of group exercise class is water aerobics. Physical activity in the water is easier on sore or weak joints because water is naturally buoyant. Lessened stress on a body is helpful if you suffer from arthritis common during mature years. Additionally, water provides resistance without the need to handle heavy, dangerous weights common in other strength-training regiments.

During a water aerobics class, you may participate in water jogging, arm curls, or leg lifts. These movements offer the same benefits found in traditional jogging or weight-lifting like strength, balance, and flexibility. Good balance is especially important as you age as the likelihood of falls increases over time. Certain falls cause injuries that force you to live with limited mobility and lower quality of life.

2. Bodyweight Workouts

Bodyweight workouts utilize your own body weight to create resistance. This unique group workout class helps you increase muscle strength and requires little or no equipment. Different body movements target certain muscle groups. For example, squats with a chair work your calf, hamstring, and quadricep muscles.

Muscle atrophy in older adults is common, and bodyweight workouts help reverse this condition. Muscle loss is linked to hormone difficulties and an inability to convert protein to energy. You can help regain muscle strength as well as dramatically increase overall muscle strength through bodyweight workouts.

3. PIlates

Pilates is a low-impact group exercise ideal for seniors because it is adaptable to different skill and ability level. Pilates uses equipment like an inflated ball and a mat to help you practice and master specific poses or movements. For example, the pelvic curl helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles as you slowly tile and lift your pelvic and lower back off the floor.

Because pilates is slow and deliberate, each movement helps you focus on your body and breathing. Doing so allows you to reduce stress and lends a more pronounced feeling of well-being, which can help improve mood.

Remember, all group exercise classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who can provide guidance at your own skill level.  Your own participation in a group exercise class will help boost your mood, strengthen your muscles, and give you more flexibility and balance.