Effective exercises for seniors
Losing interest in an exercise regimen is a situation many fitness enthusiasts have confronted at one point or another . Overcoming a stale workout routine can be simple for young athletes , whose bodies can typically handle a wide range of physical activities . That flexibility allows younger athletes the chance to pursue any number of physical activities when their existing fitness regimens grow stale . But what about seniors who have grown tired of their workouts ?
Even seniors who have lived active lifestyles since they were youngsters are likely to encounter certain physical limitations associated with aging . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the likelihood of dealing with one or more physical limitations increases with age . CDC data indicates that 8 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 59 have three or more physical limitations . That figure rises to 27 percent among adults age 80 and over .
Physical limitations may be a part of aging for many people , but such obstacles need not limit seniors looking to banish boredom from their workout routines . In fact , many seniors can successfully engage in a variety of exercises that benefit their bodies and are unlikely to grow stale .
• Water aerobics : Sometimes referred to as aqua aerobics , water aerobics may involve jogging in the water , leg lifts , arm curls , and other activities that can safely be performed in a pool . The YMCA notes that water aerobics exercises are low impact , which can make them ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues like arthritis .
• Resistance band workouts : Resistance band workouts can be especially useful for seniors who spend a lot of time at home . Resistance bands are inexpensive and don ’ t take up a lot of space , making them ideal for people who like to exercise at home but don ’ t have much space . Resistance bands can be used to strengthen muscles in various parts of the body , including the legs , arms and back . Resistance bands can be pulled or pushed in any direction , which allows for more versatility in a workout than weight machines and dumbbells . That versatility allows seniors to spice up their workout regimens when things get a little stale .
• Pilates : Pilates is another low-impact exercise that can be ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues . According to SilverSneakers , a community fitness program for seniors that promotes living through physical and social engagement , Pilates can help seniors build overall strength , stability and coordination . SilverSneakers even notes that seniors can experience improvements in strength and stability by committing to as little as 10 to 15 minutes of daily Pilates exercises .
• Strength training : Seniors on the lookout for something more challenging than a daily walk around the neighborhood should not overlook the benefits of strength training . The CDC notes that seniors
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