The Best Exercise for Seniors
Engaging in regular exercise is good for your body, mind, memory, and mood. It’s widely acknowledged that being active can boost your energy, keep your heart healthy, and assist in managing your weight. It can offer a chance to socialize and help you maintain your independence, and it’s also a useful tool that can help you manage a variety of medical conditions. When you’re looking for the best exercise for seniors, you’ll have plenty of choices. But remember, before you start any new exercise program, it’s important to discuss your plans with your doctor.
Swimming
When you want to get active, take the plunge. Swimming can be a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness and build muscle. The watery environment provides a natural resistance, but it also offers plenty of buoyancy that protects older bones and joints from unnecessary stress. That’s especially important for people who struggle with osteoporosis, arthritis, or joint injuries.
Water Aerobics
What if you aren’t a fan of swimming laps or diving? Water aerobics classes may keep you in the shallow end, but they take you through motions that will improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Because the routines are performed in the supportive environment of the water, minimal stress is placed on your body’s bones and joints while you reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
Riding a Bike
Riding a bike is another low-impact exercise that can help you build muscle and improve cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and cognitive performance. If you’re heading outside, be sure to choose a safe route and wear a helmet. Be mindful about the path you pick to limit your risk of falls. Of course, indoor cycling is also an option, and if you go that route, you won’t need to worry about falls or wearing a helmet. You can even ride while watching a favorite show or listening to music or an audiobook.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a time-tested Chinese practice that uses gentle, flowing movements to focus on muscle control, stability, balance, and flexibility. As a form of moving meditation, it can help boost your mood and reduce your pain. Since it improves your balance, it can also reduce your risk of falling, which is an important point for seniors. There are countless forms of tai chi, so there are endless opportunities to explore new movements, combinations, and concepts.
Bodyweight Training
Retaining muscle as you age isn’t easy, but reaching for heavy weights is a good way to get hurt, especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly. Starting small with bodyweight exercises is safer, and it can be quite effective if simply being healthy is your goal. When performed with proper form, bodyweight exercises help you build the strength that you’ll need to tackle everyday activities comfortably and safely.
Pilates
Pilates isn’t about doing more faster. Instead, this discipline emphasizes breathing, alignment, concentration, and core strength. The exercises are designed to be adjusted to fit the person completing them, reducing the risk of injury and increasing the sense of success. As you get better, you’re able to do more, so it’s never boring.
Chair Yoga
What if you could work out without leaving your favorite chair? It’s possible. Chair yoga focuses on seated exercises that build strength, flexibility, and mobility, for those who might have limited mobility or stamina.
Walking
When you don’t have time for a structured exercise program, remember that walking always counts. Whether you use a pedometer to count your steps or simply move from place to place, making it a point to take extra strides is a great way to fit fitness into your day. You could choose to make an extra lap at the store, park a little farther away, or pace while you’re talking on the phone. Of course, you could also find a place that offers something pleasant to look at and head out to take in the view.
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Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. At Beach House, we work hard to create a supportive environment where our residents can thrive. To learn more about us, reach out.
If you’re hoping to retire in Jacksonville, Florida, the Beach House could be the ideal place. Our exceptional location is less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and near restaurants, shops, a golf course, and more. Our friendly and compassionate staff members offer individualized care 24/7, ensuring the safety, security, and happiness of all residents. The Beach House provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Most importantly, we tailor these services to suit the unique needs of each resident. To learn more about our amenities or schedule a tour, please contact us online or give us a call at 904-615-8076. We look forward to hearing from you!