Today seniors have a much different view of fitness than their parents. Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging says, "Exercise was actually a bad word. The term exercise meant hard work. It was what you did in the military, women were told that if they did it they weren't womanly or it would hurt their reproductive organs." But baby boomers have helped spark the modern fitness movement. Thirty-seven percent of health club members are 55 or older, that’s not counting people who workout at retirement homes -- an area that is exploding.

Exercise can help slow down the aging process and help maintain a level of vitality and energy that you might not otherwise have. Boomers are at higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and also may have problems like arthritis, back pain or muscle tears. It is recommended that older adults get a good physical before starting an exercise program; people need to realize their bodies have changed a lot since they were 20. Better stretching, going a little slower and investing in new shoes are a few important tips.

The government's National Institute on Aging says regular activity can help seniors maintain their strength and be more independent, have more energy and better balance. Exercise can also help reduce depression and fight diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It recommends that seniors focus on four types of exercise:

1. Endurance: try to get at least 30 minutes of activity that causes heavy breathing almost every day.

2. Strength: Lifting weights can help build muscle strength. Light weights or even using your own body weight for resistance is enough for beginners.

3. Balance: Standing on one foot, walking heel-to-toe and standing up without using your arms can help improve balance.

4. Stretch: Stretching exercises make muscles more flexible. You should warm up even before stretching and don't stretch so far that it hurts.

People of all ages can benefit from exercise, so get moving!