Exercising At Home
As we get older, it can be harder to stay comfortable and active. Heavy exercise is often not an option for those in the senior citizen demographic, however, there are still ways that seniors can work out at home. What are some of the best exercises that you can do while at home without any fancy equipment or special knowledge, just a bit of time and effort.
Whether you're looking to build strength, flexibility, or just want some easy movements you can use throughout your day, read on and see how you can turn your living space into a fun and inspiring workout zone.
Why Seniors should Exercise at Home
Exercising at home is a low cost and convenient way for seniors to stay healthy. Being able to choose your own workout, such as walking or light weights, helps seniors tailor a program that suits their individual needs.
Doing simple exercises in the comfort of your own home can also help prevent falls by improving balance and coordination. Moreover, taking time out of an already busy day to unwind with low impact movement increases strength, flexibility, and mobility, all of which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
So although going to the gym or joining an exercise class has its own benefits, exercising at home can provide an easy option for staying on track with physical activity.
Benefits of Exercising for Seniors
Exercising is a great way for seniors to stay healthy and active. Not only can routine physical activity help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, but it can also improve cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.
Regular exercise can be done from home with minimal equipment or in an outdoor setting; either way is beneficial for the aging body. Home exercises are especially helpful for seniors who have limited mobility or lack transport options to get to the gym.
Even low-impact activities, like home yoga routines, strength training with household items like canned goods, or going for walks in your neighbourhood can greatly improve your mental wellbeing as well as physical.
So why not take advantage of exercising from home and enjoy all its great benefits?
Try chair exercises
As you get older, it can become harder to stay active. That's why chair exercises are a great way for seniors to maintain their fitness levels without strain or risk of injury. Basic arm and leg exercises can target muscle groups and help build strength, while also improving range of motion and flexibility. Plus, most of these exercises don't require any equipment and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
So there's no excuse for seniors not to give chair exercises a try. Even a few minutes per day is enough to make all the difference to your health and wellbeing.
Invest in a few key pieces of exercise equipment
Exercise is essential for anyone, but especially for seniors who want to stay healthy and active. Investing in the right pieces of exercise equipment can go a long way towards helping seniors get a good workout and get into shape.
Resistance bands and yoga mats are two great pieces of equipment that can be incredibly effective; resistance bands give varied levels of resistance throughout each exercise, while yoga mats provide cushioning while doing floor exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, and stretches.
For very little investment, these pieces of equipment can help seniors maintain a regular exercise routine and reach their fitness goals.
Consider investing in a treadmill or stationary bike
Seniors looking for a good way to stay active should definitely consider investing in home exercise equipment. Treadmills and stationary bikes are great options since they allow you to get a comprehensive workout while never having to leave the house.
Sure, they can be a bit costly, but if you're able to make room in your budget, you'll be glad you made the investment. Not only will it add convenience and comfort when working out, but with regular use you should also see measurable gains in strength and stamina over time.
So why not take the plunge and bring the gym into your own home? With the right commitment and motivation, buying an exercise machine could be one of the most beneficial investments of your life.
Talk to your doctor about any physical limitations
If you're a senior looking to get active, talking to your doctor is the best first step. Your doctor can give you tailored advice about any physical limitations and what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Just because you're aging, doesn't mean you have to be inactive; in fact, exercising regularly as you age has a host of benefits, it strengthens your heart and bones, increases flexibility, and reduces stress. Of course, it's important to do exercises that are suitable for your particular level of physical ability so make sure to consult an expert. There are alternative therapies for stress relief including yoga and breathwork.
Your doctor will be able to help you put together an exercise plan that works best with your needs while giving you the opportunity to stay active.