Seniors who exercise generally experience greater mental and physical health than seniors who don’t. You may need to purchase electric bikes for adults or buy a membership to your local swimming pool, but the initial expenses will pay off when you start to feel stronger and healthier. Here are 10 of the best exercises for senior citizens.
1. Yoga
Yoga is a great choice for seniors. It not only promotes strength and flexibility, but it helps improve overall mobility as well. It’s also extremely low-impact, which is ideal for seniors.
2. Cycling
If you have trouble jogging or doing other activities that are jarring on your joints, cycling may be the perfect alternative. It’s a low-impact exercise that’s great for people with joint issues or osteoporosis. Just take time to look for the best bicycles for seniors so you’re comfortable and safe on your ride.
3. Swimming
Swimming is a favorite activity for many mature adults because it is puts minimal stress on the joints, bones and muscles. One study published in the Journal of Aging Research proposes that swimming can help sharpen the mind while it tones and strengthens the body.
4. Strength Training
Lifting weights may seem like an activity that’s reserved for youngsters, but it can have marvelous benefits for the senior body as well. You don’t have to lift crazy amounts of weight. Light weights can help you achieve your goals.
5. Bodyweight Training
If you don’t like the idea of pumping iron, you can get similar effects by simply training against your own body weight. Some great movements to get you started include wall pushups, chair squats and stair climbing. Bodyweight training is also a great precursor to cycling, as it can prepare your muscles for longer rides. When you’re ready to start cycling, look into comfort bikes so you have the best possible experience.
6. Pilates
Focusing on core stability is important for seniors because it can help them avoid falls and other injuries. Pilates is a core-strengthening program that’s low-impact and puts your body through movements that are effective but not too strenuous.
7. Walking
Walking will never lose its reputation as one of the best senior citizen exercises. It’s easy on the joints and allows for a lot of customization. You can work up to speed walking or slow things down if necessary.
8. Hiking
Hiking can be strenuous, but it doesn’t have to be. If you go at an easy pace and bring a walking stick along with you, it can be incredibly refreshing. It can also improve your cardiovascular health. Just make sure you stay safe by hiking with a companion and bringing water.
9. Rowing
If you have bad knees, rowing can be a great upper body workout. You can do it in a single-person kayak or get a bigger kayak and take a friend along. Wear a life jacket each time you go.
10. Aerobics
Who says seniors can’t jump around every once in a while? If your joints and doctor allow it, a good aerobics program can work wonders for your health and mood.
From riding electric bikes for adults to joining a local aerobics class, there are many things seniors can do to improve their fitness. Give one or more of these activities a try today!