It becomes more challenging to keep up with your exercise routine as you get older. You may not be able to do the same exercises you did when you were younger. You also might find it challenging to build muscle due to decreased bone density. There are some things to consider when thinking about exercise routines for seniors. This article covers the best workout routines for seniors so you can get back into shape after decades of inactivity.
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Yoga
Yoga is a great workout routine for seniors because it builds flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. A yoga session may start with stretching poses to limber up the body. It then moves on to an aerobic section, where you perform various positions quickly. The session ends with yogic mediation to balance the mind and body. These sessions are about an hour long. You can also try chair yoga with the help of a chair to support your body when needed.
Walking
Walking is the most accessible workout for seniors. It’s free, and you can do it anywhere without any equipment or a gym membership. Some studies show that walking is as beneficial as jogging for building muscle and improving bone density. You should aim to walk at least 20 minutes every day to get the full effect of this exercise routine for seniors. Walking is one of the best exercises for seniors because it’s low impact and helps improve cardiovascular health.
Swimming
Swimming is a great workout routine for seniors because it’s gentle on the joints and builds muscle strength. Swimming also improves flexibility and cardiovascular health. If you don’t feel comfortable swimming laps, you can try swimming in a pool with a shallow depth. You can also walk in waist-deep water, called aqua jogging. Swimming is an excellent way for seniors to improve their health without straining the body too much.
Bodyweight Workouts
Bodyweight workouts are a great way to get started with exercise if you haven’t been active for a while. These workouts use your body weight as resistance to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health. There are many different bodyweight workouts that you can do, so find one that fits your fitness level. You can also increase the intensity of these workouts by adding weights or resistance bands. Resistance bands are a good option because they don’t put heavy pressure on your joints while strengthening muscles.
Pilates
Pilates is a great workout routine for seniors because it builds flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. You should do pilates regularly to develop your core muscles while getting more robust. Many senior citizens benefit from pilates because it helps balance and coordination. You can also try chair pilates with the help of a chair to support your body when needed.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a great way to exercise your muscles and improve cardiovascular health. By exercising in water, you can reduce the pressure on your joints while getting a good workout. You should try swimming laps or walking in waist-deep water to increase the intensity of this workout routine for seniors. If those options are too intense for you, you can try water aerobics instead.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a great workout routine for seniors because it builds flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. This type of exercise is performed slowly to increase the benefits. The quietness of this workout makes it very accessible to seniors who might find other activities too intense. Tai Chi also has some proven mental health benefits. You’ll need to attend classes or find a video tutorial to learn the moves, but it’s well worth it for the health benefits. If you want more information on Tai Chi, you can search online or contact your local senior center.
Resistance Band Workouts
Resistance band workouts are a great way to build muscle, strength and improve bone health. You can typically do these workouts with minimal equipment, making them suitable for at-home exercise routines. Resistance bands provide resistance while you’re performing various exercises, including bicep curls and tricep extensions. These exercises are low impact because they’re done slowly and with control. You can perform resistance band exercises at home or in a gym.
Conclusion
There are many great workout routines for seniors that can improve strength, muscle tone, bone health, and balance. These exercises are low impact because they’re done slowly with reasonable control over the body. The best part about these workouts is that there’s usually very little equipment required. You should talk to your doctor before starting any workout routine and then choose the one that fits your needs and interests.