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Tips From The Trainer/Older Than 50

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Exercise for anyone older than 50 should include work on core muscles and your back, says Mark Misner, owner and president of Tampa's Body By Design. As you age, back strength and stability become increasingly important, so it's essential any workout include a focus on those areas.

"These exercises are essential for that population," he says.

Although people of all ages can benefit from exercises targeting core muscles, the back and legs, mature adults will definitely reap the benefits, says Misner, 45, an avid runner and triathlete who is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. The father of two also serves on the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association board of directors.

This move works on the core muscles.

EXERCISE: THE PLANK

Lay on your stomach, with your elbows tucked under your rib cage and your arms under your chest. The balls of your feet should be flexed. Tighten your stomach.

Press up on your elbows for 30 seconds to one minute.

Relax your hands and neck, letting the core muscles do the work.

Try doing several of these planks and increase the duration. To increase difficulty, try doing this with one leg raised in the air.

Need help learning the steps to this exercise? Follow along with a video of personal fitness trainer Mark Misner demonstrating this move at TBO.com, Keyword: Trainer.

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