Many people today have fallen into the sedentary trap of playing computer games and watching television, which reduces their physical activity and increases the stress on their bodies. Exercise takes a backseat to pastimes that require less in the way of movement.
Seniors are often prone to becoming less active, as it can be increasingly difficult to find age-appropriate exercise activities. Shuffleboard, however, is a sport that provides moderate toning and a good fitness workout.
There are two types of shuffleboard favored by most participants of this fun sport. One is deck shuffleboard, where a wooden stick called a tang is used to push a disk called a biscuit to the other end of the deck. This form of shuffleboard provides the best exercise, because the participants are more mobile.
The second form of shuffleboard is table shuffleboard, where the biscuit is pushed by hand back and forth over a long, smooth wooden table, as each participant tries to get it to a certain spot on the opposite end of the table. The physical activity from these forms of shuffleboard increases stimulation in the arms, legs, back, neck and hips. Seniors often find shuffleboard to be a mild and enjoyable form of exercise which increases blood flow and provides the limbs and muscles with an opportunity to stretch as they lean to push the biscuit.
Shuffleboard is played in teams and is a great way to interact with friends. Shuffleboards can be found at activity centers, community centers or it can be purchased as home game and installed in an appropriate room. Seniors are particularly fond of this easy-going sport as it offers an excellent avenue to reduce stress through socializing with other people and giving their bodies some movement to stay healthy and fit.