Exercising can help you maintain mobility, manage weight, keep your heart healthy, and generally feel your best. Keeping up an exercise routine is important for all adults, but it plays an even bigger role in your overall health as you age. This is why many senior living communities offer senior recreational programs for optimal physical health.
Looking for ideas for exercises that are senior-friendly? Creating a workout routine with movements that support your longevity can improve a variety of health markers, both in the short and long term. Contact us at Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 or online to learn more about how we support the health of our residents.
Why Are Senior Exercise Routines Important?
The health benefits of senior exercise routines are numerous. If you make working out a regular part of your routine, you could experience:
- Less joint pain
- Better sleep
- Fewer symptoms of chronic disease
- Better mental health and mood stability
- Better mobility and flexibility
- More independence for longer
In addition to these physical and mental benefits, senior exercise routines can also give you opportunities to socialize. Taking part in senior recreational programs at retirement communities or attending workout classes can help you maintain strong connections with your peers as you work collectively to improve your health.
How Often Should Seniors Exercise?
The American Heart Association recommends that seniors should aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which averages out to 30 minutes per day spread out over 5 days. In order to support strong muscles and bones, two of those days should be dedicated to increasing strength through some form of weight training.
Some balance training should also be included in exercise for seniors. Activities like testing balance by standing on one foot can be done for just a few minutes per day to significantly improve equilibrium and help prevent falls.
Cardio is also an important part of senior exercise routines. Cardio-based workouts are designed to get the heart rate into an elevated range, strengthening the muscles and increasing blood flow.
While many popular cardio exercises like running and cycling are highly impactful on the joints, there are several cardio options that are low-impact but just as effective.
Best Workouts for a Senior-Friendly Exercise Routine
Ready to create your ideal exercise routine? Here are some of the best exercises that are senior-friendly to include in your weekly workout plan.
Lifting Weights
Strength training with weights can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Start with bodyweight exercises to understand proper form, and slowly add light weights as you’re able. Working with a professional’s help will be the safest way to explore weightlifting.
Yoga
Maintaining mobility is essential as you age, which is why a regular yoga practice can be so beneficial. Whether you take classes or do it on your own at home, many of the most popular yoga poses are great for increasing flexibility while strengthening muscles.
Walking
Walking is an underrated form of low-impact cardio, not to mention its many benefits on mental health. It also makes for a great exercise to do with friends as a social activity.
Swimming
One of the most low-impact forms of exercise for seniors is swimming. Swimming is easy on the joints while being great for the heart, lungs, and muscles.
Build a Senior-Friendly Exercise Routine at Westminster Place
At Westminster Place, we take the health and wellness of our residents seriously. That is why we offer a variety of recreational programs and many opportunities for exercise with friends, along with a dedicated fitness center.
Interested in learning more about the lifestyle that our residents enjoy at Westminster Place? Reach out to our friendly team today and find out how we support both physical and mental health for seniors by calling 903.329.6520 or filling out our online form.