Easy Low Impact Exercises for Older Adults
Exercise is essential for any active lifestyle, but as you age it’s particularly important to stay fit in ways that promote healthy aging. For seniors, low-impact exercises are easier on your joints, support cardiovascular health, improve balance, and can also benefit your mental well-being. Discover examples of low-impact exercises for seniors that can have positive, high-impact benefits on your health, and the many ways Westminster Village in West Lafayette, IN, can help you stay active with ease.
Body Movement:
Exercise does not need to prioritize speed or raising your heart rate to be beneficial to your health. Movement exercises are a great way to improve balance and flexibility, and there are many different workouts to choose from. Yoga is an excellent slow movement exercise, incorporating stretches, poses, and breathing exercises to relieve joint pain and promote relaxation. Tai chi is another option, combining deep breathing with flowing movements to improve core strength and reduce back pain and body aches.
Cardio
Walking is one of the simplest ways to be more physically active in your everyday life. Older adults should aim to walk 6,000 – 8,000 steps each day. Walking a sufficient amount daily supports cardiovascular health, mental well-being, sleep quality, and cognition. Taking a walk outdoors can be an enjoyable way to get fresh air and vitamin D, but during colder months exercise equipment like a treadmill or elliptical can be a good alternative.
If you want the added benefit of working out your upper-body while doing cardio, Nordic walking is an excellent low-impact cardio exercise for seniors. Nordic walking includes the addition of two poles, which allows you to work out your shoulders, arms, and core as you walk. This helps you burn more calories and provides extra stability while walking.
Cycling is another fun, low-impact exercise for older adults that is gentle on the joints while improving balance, posture, and cardiovascular health. To ensure safety while cycling, always wear a helmet and padding. It’s also wise to use ankle or knee braces for extra support. If you want to avoid difficult terrain or unpleasant weather, cycling on a stationary bike is also a great choice.
Pool Exercises
Swimming and aquatic exercises are fun and enjoyable for people of all ages, but hold specific benefits for older adults. The buoyancy of the water supports joints, soothes pain, and builds muscle strength. There are many ways to enjoy aquatic exercise, such as using a kickboard for resistance exercises, water aerobics, or swimming laps. The Live Well Fitness & Rehab Center at Westminster Village boasts two pools, one for swimming and water aerobics, and a warm-water therapy pool. Our Aquatic Therapy program provides guided aquatic exercise for residents, and even offers non-swimmer activities.
Active Aging at Westminster Village
With any workout, it’s important to pace yourself and be mindful of your body. When trying a new form of exercise, start off slow, stay hydrated, and rest afterwards if you feel sore or fatigued. At our Live Well Fitness & Rehab Center, residents have access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources to make wellness both fun and healing. From group fitness classes to strength training to boxing, there are many exciting ways to stay active.
Contact us today to schedule a personal tour and discover how Westminster Village in West Lafayette, IN, makes wellness safe and engaging.
