The 'baby boomer' population may be getting older but they certainly aren't letting it slow them down. In fact, statistics show that boomers are more active than other age groups, joining the gym in record numbers and being assertive with trying new forms of fitness like yoga and boxing. The YMCA has really been catering to the 78 million member boomer crowd too, creating programs and classes that focus less on muscles and physical appearance and more on health and quality of life (something we should all do!).

But as motivated and ambitious as the boomers are, they do have their own set of unique needs and wants. Safety is the biggest issue, as injuries can not only sideline current health efforts but can put a serious kink in the plan for months or even years into the future. Here are some good things tailored just for the boomers out there:

• Starting off easy is important, especially if you're completely new to exercising. Calculating and measuring your target heart rate is a good way to get going.
• Focus on strength training and maintaining muscle mass. Every year after age 40 your body loses 1/4 pound of muscle, which can affect joint stability, balance, bone mass, and obviously appearance.
  
• Cardio is critical, but keep switching it up. Change from the treadmill to the elliptical to cycling to get a well-rounded workout that keeps your body challenged.
• Keep balanced, literally. Maintaining your balance is an important part of aging as falls and broken bones can be a real health threat later in life.
• Fight muscle and joint stiffness with stretches. Stretch daily and do yoga or flexibility training a couple days a week.
• For power and coordination stand with a 4 lb medicine ball in both hands at your chest. Throw it at a wall with enough force for it to bounce right back and catch it. Repeat about 4 times about three times a week.
• Get outside! There are all kind of options from hiking to golf to tennis that can help you work on all kinds of the health issues on this list. Just remember to pay attention to your body and not to overdo it.
  
• Don't forget to exercise your brain too! Learn a new skill, practice crosswords, or play memory games. Anything really that encourages you to use your noggin.