What is the recommended warm-up before conducting the SFT?

The recommended warm-up before conducting the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is gentle stretching and light aerobic activity. This warm-up approach is specifically designed to prepare the body for physical activity, especially for seniors who may have different fitness levels or mobility challenges.

Gentle stretching helps increase flexibility and range of motion, which is crucial for seniors as it can reduce the risk of injuries during more strenuous exercises or assessments. Additionally, light aerobic activity, such as walking or cycling at a comfortable pace, raises the heart rate gradually and increases circulation to the muscles, further enhancing readiness for the test.

Choosing a warm-up routine that is neither too intense nor too long allows older adults to ease into the test. This is particularly important, as high-intensity or prolonged activities can lead to fatigue or discomfort, potentially affecting performance and safety. Therefore, the combination of gentle stretching and light aerobic activity creates an effective and safe warm-up strategy for seniors participating in the SFT.