Join Our Team
Growing older often comes with joint pain, fatigue and difficulty staying active. While no one can turn back the hands of time, exercise is one of the best ways for seniors to stay fit, healthy and happy. You will work out at a different level than when you were in your 20s, but it’s no longer a competition. Staying fit helps seniors maintain their quality of life and feel better physically and mentally. Seniors can do the following exercises, no matter their age.
1. Swimming
Often called the world’s perfect exercise, swimming is one of the better activities for cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. Whether swimming laps or participating in water aerobics classes, getting in the pool is highly recommended.
Swimming puts minimal stress on your bones and joints, a huge benefit for people who have arthritis or osteoporosis. Several studies have also shown that regular swimming helps keep minds sharp.
2. Walking
If running or jogging puts too much stress on the joints or cardiovascular system, regular walking can have a big impact on health. Some experts recommend taking 10,000 steps per day, which is approximately five miles. This may sound like a lot, but the whole distance doesn’t need to be covered at once.
Scheduling walks in the morning, afternoon and evening will help you stay active and prevent you from staying sedentary. You can also take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from the store when running errands for extra steps.
3. Yoga
Yoga helps build muscle strength, aerobic fitness, core stability and total-body mobility, all of which are important for seniors. Considered part of a holistic approach to fitness, yoga is low-impact and gentle on joints. There are several different types of yoga, so it’s best to take an introductory class if you are new to this kind of exercise.
Exercise is important at any age, but can especially help seniors remain active, social and combat feelings of depression. Contact us to learn more!