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Smart Woman: Baby Boomers Working Out

By: Josh Berry
Updated: April 23, 2012
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Some baby boomers are stretching the limits on their fitness as they head into their golden years. Exercise regimens such as Pilates have become the rage for many of middle-age.

Flipping through a pile of bills, Marianne Haggerty says she's paying a lot for her health, now that she's in her 50s. 

After surgeries to her knee and foot, she decided to work on preventive measures to get stronger. 

"I want to stay working and productive, and have fun while I'm doing it," said Haggerty.

So, three years ago, she turned to Pilates, a fitness fad which is low impact but strengthens muscles using resistance. And like Haggerty, many baby boomers are focusing on ways to stay healthy and agile, to promote longevity. 

"I've saved at least a shoulder rotator cuff operation because of the specific pilates exercises that we do. I don't have the neck problems that I might have based on my job." said Haggerty.

Her instructor says the Pilates classes specifically for aging clients are the most popular, because of the benefits clients see in their everyday life. 

"Often, mobility becomes an issue, because if you don't use your body, it becomes a little stiffer. And that, again, leads to injures. And that is being prevented here," said Timea Presley, Pilates instructor.

Health and fitness experts say these days there are a number of fitness classes like cross-fit, yoga, and boot camp that all work the body's base. 

"Working your core allows you to keep your spine in alignment, keeps you in better posture for the duration of your workout, and prevents injury," said fitness trainer Vanessa Hailes.

Haggerty says her mind, and body, has improved because she's proactively working to stay strong. 

Haggerty said, "So, I hope when people think about baby boomers they think about health, vibrancy, productivity, being engaged. We're taking care of ourselves."

Because Haggerty says as a baby boomer, she wants to stretch the years ahead of her to the fullest. 

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