When the weather outside gets frightful, exercising indoors is delightful. You don’t have to give up on your fitness goals because it’s getting colder. Learn about gentle exercise for seniors to ensure that you can keep moving no matter what it looks like outside.
Gentle Exercise for Seniors
Do you find yourself slowing down a little bit over the winter? It’s natural to have a more sedentary lifestyle when the weather turns cold, but it’s also important to continue getting regular exercise. Physical fitness is essential to staying healthy and maximizing your golden years. Gentle exercise for seniors can make workouts accessible and fun at every ability level.
What Are Gentle Exercises?
The idea of starting an exercise program in your golden years might feel intimidating but don’t worry. Light activity can help your body build strength, improve mobility, and avoid various health issues. Gentle exercises are exercises that help people with different physical ability levels stay active and enjoy movement on a regular basis. Next time you want to introduce some physical activity into your day, try some gentle exercise for seniors.
Seated Upper Body Twist
Sit in a supportive chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms in front of you. Place your left hand on your right shoulder and your right hand on your left shoulder. Slowly twist your left shoulder and upper body towards the back of the seat behind you without moving your hips or lower body. Hold for five seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat five times.
Body Weight Standing Exercises
If you’re working on building stability, daily standing exercises can help. Start by sitting on a supportive chair without a back or arms. Cross your arms across your chest as you did in the activity above. Slowly shift your weight forward into your feet, leaning forward slightly. Straighten your knees and slowly stand up without using your arms for support. Attempt to sit back down. Repeat five times.
Side Steps
Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your hands at your sides. Bend your knees slightly to stand comfortably and shift your weight as needed. Shift your weight onto your right leg, and slowly lift your left leg outwards. Lower your left leg to the ground and shift your weight onto it, then move your right foot to meet your left foot. Try five steps per side, with a goal of working up to ten.
Gentle Arm Lifts
From a seated or standing position, raise your arms into the air in front of you with your palms facing forward. If this is enough tension, stay here for a few seconds, lower your arms again, and then repeat. If you want more of a challenge, try raising your hands upward until your palms are facing the ceiling. Slowly return your arms to the starting position, and repeat this sequence five times.
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If you need help getting moving, gentle exercise for seniors can give you a great way to start. And if you’re looking for a community that will help you prioritize your health in your golden years, we hope you’ll join us at Kinship Pointe.
Are you hoping to retire in Nebraska? Look no further than Kinship Pointe. We offer independent living and assisted living communities in four locations: Kearney Northridge, McCook, Seward, and Wayne. At Kinship Pointe, our delightful staff works daily to help residents pursue their passions and live life to the fullest. We offer a full calendar of activities and other amenities to help you stay engaged and enjoy your golden years. Schedule a tour or contact us online to learn what makes Kinship Pointe unique.