When the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor went to Jack Palance for his role as Curley in the movie City Slickers, the aging actor shocked the award’s audience with a series of one-armed pushups. After his short but impressive public workout, Palance made his way to the podium and said, “As far as two-handed pushups are concerned, I could do those all night.”

At the time of this physical display, Palance was 72 years old; however, his age-defying workout was not merely a Hollywood storyline, but an attitude commonly shared by many of today’s senior citizens. Seniors are no longer stereotyped as feeble or dependent upon canes and walkers; rather, many of the older generation are getting into the best shape of their lives well into their Golden Years.

The professionals at HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness specialize in senior health by designing individualized programs that are safe and effective in reaching the fitness goals of seniors. The experienced staff of physical therapy and fitness professionals takes aim at slowing down the effects of aging and restoring good health.

One of the primary needs of seniors is good muscle and joint flexibility. At HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness, seniors learn proper stretching techniques to increase flexibility, thereby reducing muscle pain and cramping. Good flexibility also helps to improve body tone and conditioning; and better flexibility aids in the healing of injuries and improves balance to reduce the risk of falls.

HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness also focuses on aerobic and weight training for seniors. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system and may reduce the risk of heart attacks. It also increases the body’s ability to breakdown sugars to help in controlling or possibly preventing diabetes. In addition, HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness can also implement a weight-bearing program for those interested in building bone mass. This program aids in fighting osteoporosis and fractures of the hips and back; it also can help to reverse bone loss in those whose bones have already become brittle.

Many seniors also experience arthritis or have had hip or knee replacement surgery, and some suffer from chronic back pain due to a prior injury. HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness offers several senior-oriented water aerobics classes geared to increase flexibility and endurance all while minimizing pain by minimizing weight and load-bearing on joints in the water.

Some seniors may worry they are too old to begin a workout program, but it is never too late to improve one’s health. In fact, HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness currently has members who are well into their 90s; and while most seniors would be reluctant to publicly demonstrate their physical prowess as Palance did at the Oscars, the goal at HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness is simply to encourage seniors to make exercise a regular part of life so their day-to-day quality of life is restored.

If you are a senior, HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness can lead you to a stronger and more flexible body at any age, and you may even do a few one-armed pushups (the Academy Award, however, is entirely up to you!).