Low-impact exercises for seniors are the best way to keep your body moving and active.
Age-related physical changes to our bodies can make exercise more challenging and even harmful. Our muscles deteriorate, our bones become brittle, and our joints lose their flexibility. However, that does not imply that we should stop exercising and maintain a healthy weight.
It is recommended that to maintain our physical health, we get at least 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Low-impact exercises for seniors can be very healthy for seniors, as well as those who are new to exercising.
At least one foot should always be on the ground during a low-impact workout, and these activities are usually less taxing on the body. They are a fantastic technique for increasing circulation and reducing the risk of injury.
The best low-impact exercises for seniors
1) Water aerobics
Activities done in the water are great exercises for seniors who want to defy gravity and get some exercise. You can move your usually sore or tense joints more easily as the water generates a free-flowing ability of mobility.
Swim lessons or aqua aerobics sessions are usually held at the neighborhood YMCA or swim facility. These classes offer the opportunity to chat with like-minded people while moving at your own pace and require almost no previous physical activity experience.
2) Walking with friends
It can get boring and perhaps intimidating to walk alone. So it’s okay if you don’t like going to gyms or joining clubs. Plan daily or weekly walking groups in cooperation with a select group of trusted friends.
You can get the most out of your exercise by taking regular walks while maintaining meaningful adult relationships. As a senior, don’t underestimate the benefits of this simple, low-impact activity.
3) Tai Chi
Seniors looking for simple, low-impact activities may want to consider the lesser-known option of tai chi. It can help you with your deep balance skills and increase your overall flexibility.
Trips and falls occur more frequently as we get older. However, a regular practice of tai chi can help alleviate these concerns and restore mental and physical health.
4) Chair Yoga
Chair yoga, like water aerobics, is a low-impact exercise that improves muscle strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility—essentials for older people’s health. A more accessible style of yoga than more traditional ones, chair yoga puts less stress on muscles, joints, and bones.
Additionally, chair yoga has been shown to improve the mental health of older people. Frequent chair yoga practitioners report better sleep, fewer instances of depression, and a general sense of well-being.
5) Workouts with resistance bands
Rubber strips that are elastic and give resistance to exercises while putting less stress on your body. Resistance band exercises are easy to use and suitable for both beginners and seniors.
Resistance band workouts are perfect for home training because the materials are very inexpensive to begin with, which is why this type of exercise is becoming more and more popular among seniors. These exercises are also great for strengthening your core, which improves your balance, mobility, and posture.
But, depending on your needs, fitness level, and physical condition, you can change the percentage of the aforementioned senior exercises in your weekly regimen to suit your needs.