Despite what young people think, life does get better with age. Your self-esteem is likely on the rise, and the chance to cultivate stronger relationships with your loved ones becomes much easier. But as you get older, your physical health can be a source of worry. It’s important to take fitness classes and eat healthily as an older adult.
There are many exercises designed for weight loss, but not all of them are ideal for older adults simply hoping to break a sweat and maintain their physical health. The best solution is to exercise with your peers or under the guidance of a professional that keeps your age in mind. Searching for an assisted living community with age-appropriate fitness classes in Florida? Reach out to Summer’s Landing today by calling 850.265.9829 or contacting our team online.
What Are Some Safe and Easy Workouts for Seniors?
1. Farmer’s Walk
When it comes to fitness for seniors, the farmer’s walk can be used for strength training. If you’ve been having trouble lifting heavier objects around your house, you can add the farmer’s walk to your exercise routine.
Grab light dumbbells or, if you don’t have any, two full water bottles. Hold them tightly in each hand. With your back straight and arms also held straight at your sides, walk around your home until you feel some fatigue in both of your arms.
2. Overhead Arm Raises
Many workouts for seniors can be done with two full water bottles. Overhead arm raises use them, too. Exercises like this lie can benefit older adults with joint pain and arthritis. Not only do overhead arm raises improve your muscle strength but they can also protect your joints.
Using weighted objects, such as two full water bottles, position yourself with your shoulders back and arms lifted to 90 degrees. Breathe out as you lift the bottles of water above your head and breathe in as you lower your arms.
3. Wall Push-Ups
Aging myths may have you convinced that push-ups have no place in fitness for seniors. But strenuous exercises like push-ups can be adjusted to best accommodate the desired difficulty level. For example, an older adult can do wall push-ups instead of traditional ones.
Start close to the wall with your arms stretched and your hands touching the wall. Keep your back straight and bend your elbows, bringing your chest toward the wall. Press back and feel yourself lifting your body off the wall. Repeat as desired.
Why Is It Important for Older Adults to Exercise Regularly?
As an older adult, regular physical activity, typically in the form of workouts for seniors, is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health. It can prevent or delay many of the physical health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.
Adults aged 65 and older need:
- At least three days a week of exercises to improve balance such as standing on one foot
- At least two days a week of exercises that strengthen muscles
- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as jogging
If chronic conditions affect your ability to meet these recommendations, you may be as physically active as your abilities and conditions allow.
Ready to Learn More About Summer’s Landing’s Fitness Classes?
If you’re looking for an assisted living community with age-appropriate fitness classes in Florida, contact Summer’s Landing today. Reach out to our team online or call 850.265.9829.
