Fitomat in Possendorf: Sport for a self-determined life in old age!

Fitomat in Possendorf: Sport for a self-determined life in old age!

With a fresh concept for fitness and health, the “Fitomat” in Possendorf opened its doors at the beginning of October. This newest facility has quickly made a name for itself, with membership numbers steadily increasing since it opened. Lukas Hamberger, one of the co-owners, points to the personal motivation behind this project: "My 96-year-old grandmother trained three times a week and ate healthily. Her fitness has helped her not have to live in a retirement home." An inspiring example that underlines the importance of physical activity in old age.

The new sports facility focuses on endurance and strength training to enable seniors to lead a self-determined life. Robert Wölflein, 62, has been an enthusiastic visitor to the “Fitomat” since it opened. He regularly begins his training with a ten-minute warm-up on the bike or treadmill before moving on to strength training for his arms and legs. This individual training not only promotes fitness, but also the well-being and quality of life of the participants.

The benefits of exercise in old age

The German Society for Sports Medicine and Prevention (DGSP) emphasizes the positive effects of regular sporting activity for people over 50 years of age. Exercise can reduce health risk factors and significantly improve quality of life. Those who are regularly active benefit from mobility, coordination and muscle strength. In addition, the risk of illness is reduced and independence is maintained for longer. Professor Dieter Leyk from the DGSP notes that it is never too late to change your lifestyle.

In the past, it was often recommended to take it easy as you get older. However, the latest findings speak for the importance of moderate exercise. Regular training can have positive effects on physical performance even in old age and can even increase life expectancy by three to five years. There is also evidence that physical activity promotes mental fitness and may even prevent dementia.

Promote healthy lifestyle habits

In order to guarantee a good start to your sporting activity, it is important to first have a medical examination carried out. Ideally, this should be repeated annually. Individual requirements such as stature, genes, fitness and any previous illnesses must also be taken into account. If you have any symptoms during training, it is essential to see a doctor.

In this context it becomes clear that the “Fitomat” in Possendorf is not only a place for fitness, but also part of a new awareness of the importance of sporting activity in old age. There are numerous ways to improve the quality of life through simple but effective exercise. Sport is more than just a way to stay fit - it is a key to a fulfilling and self-determined life, even in old age.

For further information about physical activity in old age, we recommend taking a look at the explanations from the DGSP, which scientifically supports the benefits, or visiting the “Fitomat” website, where individual training programs and the use of fitness equipment are also explained. Saxon reports that more and more people are finding their way into the “Fitomat” and are thus taking an important step towards a better quality of life.