Exercises for seniors don’t have to be complicated. In fact, they can do it right at home. Here’s some tips that you can follow,
Even though seniors may not be as fast, as flexible or as limber as when they were younger, it is still important for them to exercise. There are many benefits that exercises for seniors can give them even at their age. After all, exercise is always crucial for great health at any age.
Generally, physicians recommend that seniors maintain an active lifestyle, provided they don’t have any underlying conditions. They must also exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week to improve their cardiopulmonary and muscoskeletal functions. This can also help increase their spirits, make them feel good about themselves and also have a better quality of life.
Here are some easy exercises for seniors that they can do at home.
4 Easy Home Exercises for Seniors
1. Arm raises. Arm raises are simple exercises for seniors to do at home with or without weights. It is an easy and effective way to build upper body strength. You can use books, water bottles, and weights to add resistance. You can also stand or sit to add variety to your routine. Just make sure you’re sitting or standing flat on the ground with the weights at shoulder height and palms facing forward. Then, lift the weights above your head then return them to shoulder height. Repeat 10 times.
2. Leg raises. For seniors, you have to use a chair to balance as you do leg raises. Holding on to a chair to keep you stable, life one leg out to the side, keeping your heel and hip aligned. You can slightly bend the other leg for support. Then, return your raised leg back to a straight standing position. Do this 10 times and repeat with the other leg.
3. Walking. Walking and even jogging is one of the easiest, most affordable way to exercise. It affords you with the best views too, as well as allows you to go outside for a time. Regular walking as one of the forms of exercises for seniors is highly recommended to stay active and healthy.
4. Stretching. This simple exercise routine can do wonders to your body. A range of stretching exercises, held for about 30 seconds each, can help you remain flexible.
Remember to always warm up before and cool down after exercises. This will allow your muscles to prepare for the workout and return to rest afterwards.