You have probably been told a thousand times if you were advised once that you need to exercise to stay fit. Actually, the older we get, the more important some exercises are for our heart and lungs. It’s vital to keep oxygenated blood flowing through our veins and then back up to the heart. Obviously, we need strong lungs to bring that oxygen in. Unfortunately, we can no longer join in the same types of aerobics classes like we used to once upon a time, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do aerobics senior style! If you are looking for the best exercises for seniors, here are three you may want to consider.
1. Water Aerobics for Seniors
The major benefit of water aerobics is that it puts less stress on the body. Certified instructors lead the classes at community pools and often senior vans will pick you up from senior centers to take you to and from the classes. Although the buoyancy of the water helps to protect your joints, it does add a little resistance to the exercises you are doing so that you breathe harder and deeper. It’s the perfect exercise for someone who may be already experiencing arthritic joints.
2. Walking
When the days are nice and warm, walking is also one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. In the winter, it can be dangerous for anyone of any age because of the snow and ice. It’s difficult enough getting up the energy to walk around the block without needing to shovel your way out first.
One of the benefits of living in a senior living Rockford IL facility in the winter is that you will not need to keep your own sidewalks, driveways and paths shoveled and deiced. There are maintenance crews on site so that you can safely walk the grounds when attended by a staff member. It may be cold outside but if you are bundled warmly, and staff will see to that, you can actually benefit from strolling at a rather brisk pace in air that is not stiflingly hot.
3. Chair Yoga
Most seniors wouldn’t be able to get down on the floor for traditional yoga, so chair yoga is a safe adaptation for older adults. Perhaps they would be able to sit on the floor, but the trouble most seniors have is getting back up again. Chair yoga enables seniors to do many of the stretching exercises from a sitting position which helps them to limber up, making it less likely to stumble and fall a good percent of the time.
There are many exercises that have been adapted specifically for seniors. Don’t think that just because your age is advancing you won’t be able to get a good half hour of physical activity two or more times a week. You will feel so much better for your efforts and as you reach each milestone in the regimen that was laid out for you, you will be ready to move on to the next. Isn’t it time you got up and got moving? You really will feel so much better for it.