Our bodies don’t always do what we want them to do as we grow older. While we know that engaging in daily exercise comes with many benefits, it can be hard to find workout routines for older adults.
It’s helpful to remember that even doing minimal exertion can have an impact in the long run. Whether it’s an outdoor walk, dancing, or even chair exercises for seniors, all of them have been proven beneficial to our health.
For ideas of exercises you can participate in as a senior, continue reading below.
- Chair Yoga
We mentioned chair exercises above, but did you know that one type you can do is yoga? As a relaxing exercise, you can work on your mobility and flexibility all from the safety of a chair.
Similar to performing the moves on a yoga mat, you can easily do variations of seated cow, seated cat, seated twist, and overhead stretch. While they may not stretch all the same muscles due to being in a chair versus on the ground, the moves will still be effective at keeping you limber.
- Walking
When you think of walking and exercise, you may believe that to make a difference in your body, you have to fulfill the 10,000 recommended steps per day. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. The key to better health is moving, no matter how small.
You can find benefits in walking by strolling down the halls, taking the long way to an activity, or walking around the grounds outside. Movement elevates your heart rate, which you want to aim for in any type of exercise.
- Resistance Bands
As another form of movement that you can do from your chair, the incorporation of resistance bands has made a tremendous impact on senior citizens’ physical and mental health. You can use resistance bands in place of weights. The tension is what triggers a reaction in your muscles.
You can try to complete some simple bicep curls or triceps presses with the low-level resistance bands. After doing that for a bit, you can move up to the medium tension style.
- Water Aerobics
The great thing about water aerobics is that it is very easy on the joints. For those with arthritis, incorporating a water aerobics class once or twice a week will significantly impact pain levels and mobility.
Even if you can’t find a class near you, finding a local pool to move around in can help. Start small by walking from one side of the shallow end to another and continue to add other moves from there.
- Body Weight Exercises
It is critical to remember that it isn’t necessary to have any special equipment or classes to add exercise into your day. You can even elevate your heart rate with simple bodyweight exercises. Using a chair to engage in squats, performing the bird dog move on the ground, or even completing side-lying circles can make a big difference.
Always do what you are comfortable with, and check with your doctor if you have any concerns or any issues arise.
Conclusion
All hope is not lost when looking for workout routines for older adults. While you may not be able to perform moves in the same way you once could, you can make modifications to accommodate your needs.
If you have questions about appropriate exercise programs for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Vibrant Life Senior Living for assistance and guidance.
