Exercise and nutritional foods are crucial parts of a healthy lifestyle. But as we age the requirements are ever-changing. Especially regular exercise is important for seniors. As we get older our physical capabilities decline so exercise can be beneficial in our daily life. Seniors might approach exercise with apprehension. But in reality, there are some exercises for seniors that not only improve strength but also balance as well. In this article, you can find some of the best forms of exercise for seniors which will benefit older adults.
Best Exercise For Seniors
Brisk Walking
Brisk walking is similar to jogging but is a less intense type of aerobic exercise. Though it’s a less intense workout but still is a very beneficial exercise that gets your heart rate up and works on your muscles. If we compare brisk walking and jogging then brisk walking has more advantages. If you have weak knees or ankles then brisk walking will be a much better choice as it exerts less impact on your joints.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is also one of the low-impact form of exercise. It helps to improve muscle strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance which is very important health aspects for seniors. It gives less stress on muscles, joints, and bones than more conventional forms of yoga. Also, chair yoga helps in improving mental health in older adults, have better quality sleep, and lower instances of depression.
Swimming
Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise. While swimming your joints aren’t put under heavy stress, all your body weight is supported by the water. Swimming is best exercise for those who are having problem with arthritis and osteoporosis. Moreover, you will get strength training benefits by the additional resistance provided by the water grants.
Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that was developed years ago. In pilates, breathing, alignment, concentration and core strength are more emphasized. You will require mats, pilates balls, and other inflated accessories to help build strength without the stress of higher-impact exercises. Pilates is best to improve balance, increase flexibility, and develop core strength in older adults.
Dumbell Strength Training
Strength training can alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, back pain, osteoporosis, and depressio. On the other hand it help to manage your weight too. Also, strength training contributes to a higher metabolism aa well as enhanced glucose control. Dumbbell exercises is helpful for seniors to strength train only if it is performed with the proper precautions. It is helpful to isolate muscle groups to strengthen, improve balance and flexibility.
Regular Stretching
Stretching is crucial in our everyday life. And it should be done every day as it helps to keep your muscles in top condition. You need to stretch all the different muscles in your body, for example neck, back, chest, sides, arms, thighs, abdomen, and calves. If stretching is done regularly then it will work the joints in your body and keeps them from getting stiff.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the best exercise for seniors that will help them in their old age. But before doing any of these exercises you need to take the safety tips like start off slow, dressup properly, and stop it if there is any pain. Doing exercise is beneficial for the elderly so it should definitely be a part of every senior’s lifestyle, retired or not. You need to break down your exercise schedule into bite-sized chunks which you can handle.