Top 4 Reasons To Try 'Sit And Be Fit'

It's fall in Minnesota and even though the environment is telling you to slow down, we're here to tell you the reasons why you should stay active. For the next few weeks, we're sharing 4 reasons why you should try specific workout routines. This week, it's Sit and Be Fit!

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Anyone who has done some channel surfing in the past 28 years has probably come across that show with the older woman doing seated exercises.

With its simple set design and cheesy music, the Washington-based public television program "Sit and Be Fit" can evoke a chuckle from the uninitiated viewer -- but its benefits are no laughing matter.

Created in 1985 by registered nurse Mary Ann Wilson -- whose focus was on post-polio rehab and geriatrics -- the continued mission of "Sit" is to encourage exercise and rehabilitation for older adults and people with limited physical mobility. Here are 4 reasons why "Sit and Be Fit" is an exercise force to be reckoned with.

It Helps Seniors Stay Strong

One look at 70-something Wilson is motivation enough to expand your fitness routine. While cardiovascular exercise is important for us all, gentle exercise encourages healthy aging, and is crucial for older adults to help combat aches and pains. And with injury-resulting falls being a leading cause of death of people 65 and older, "Sit" exercises can be a potent form of prevention -- helping people stay independent longer.

It's Great For Workplace Wellness

Desk jockeys and drivers are perfect candidates for the benefits of "Sit." With stress-melting breathing exercises and workouts for every limb and most appendages, workers can battle the atrophy and low blood flow that causes fatigue -- and can add up to big health problems later down the line.

It Helps Those With Limited Mobility

Stroke, heart attacks and accidents can rob us of our mobility, but "Sit" exercises can be powerful rehabilitory tools. People can increase their range of motion, strengthen facial and vocal muscles and improve their fine motor skills via gentle exercise.

It Tackles A Staggering Range Of Conditions

With nearly three decades of episodes, many of which are online, there are not many health conditions that Wilson hasn't done an episode on -- including deep vein thrombosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's, incontinence, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, COPD and diabetes.

Oh, and "Sit and Be Fit" bloopers are a powerful stress reliever in themselves!