Exercise groups for seniors focus on gentle, low-impact routines that help get muscles moving and improve balance and flexibility. Popular activities include yoga, tai chi, and walking.
It's important to incorporate exercise into your retirement, and research from Fairag et al., published in Cureus, shows that physical activity can help protect you from age-related chronic conditions. Read on as we explore some of the best exercise ideas for seniors living in Atlantic, IA, that will help you stay fit in later life.
Yoga is an excellent way of building more strength, balance, and flexibility in the body, but as you reach your senior years, you might worry that it's too difficult. If so, opt for an adapted class of chair yoga instead.
In chair yoga, an instructor will take you through each movement, and you'll focus on your breathing. These slow and deliberate actions help calm your nervous system, so they can also be useful for mental health as well as improving your physical health.
Yoga can be particularly beneficial if you suffer from stiff or painful joints. Regular practice can ease your discomfort and improve your mobility.
Exercising outside can be a fantastic way to feel reenergized, and the connection to nature can also help with mental health.
Nature walks don't have to be strenuous. You can choose a path that's relatively level, and also routes that are designed for people with walking aids and wheelchairs.
Alternatively, in a senior living community like Allen Place, you could also walk around our landscaped courtyard area as part of your daily exercise routine. It will get your heart rate up, which is helpful for cardiovascular health, and it will also help strengthen your leg muscles.
Joining a walking group can also help improve your stability if you find you are experiencing balance problems as you get older.
You don't need a formal exercise class to stay fit and well in your senior years. Regular movement that works the muscles and increases the heart rate has many benefits. You could try a fun and social activity like a dance class in your senior living community.
Simple dance routines help work your leg and arm muscles, improve flexibility, and help you with balance and stability. You can also adapt dance routines if you have mobility limitations, like a seated routine timed to the music.
Dance classes are a great way to meet other seniors and make friends, and also a chance to feel nostalgia as you listen to favorite music from a bygone era.
Strength training that improves muscle mass can be one of the best ways to protect your physical health as you get older. Nevertheless, using weights in a gym can be too strenuous on an aging body and put you at risk of injury.
There is an excellent alternative: resistance bands. Resistance bands will help you improve and strengthen your muscles, but without putting too much strain on your body.
It's an easy routine that you can do from home, or join a senior exercise class so that an instructor can show you some of the most effective techniques. Plus, you can do resistance band movements standing or sitting, so it's ideal for all mobility levels.
Tai Chi is a relaxing exercise that's suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
In a Tai Chi exercise class, you'll follow an instructor as they perform flowing movements using different parts of the body, focusing on breathing and stability. Tai Chi is something you can explore in a group class, and when you become more familiar with the movements, you can try it on your own.
Some people find it a beneficial way to start the day, especially outside in the relaxing surroundings of nature, where they can use it as a way to practice mindfulness.
Any exercise routine that's low-impact, like yoga, Tai Chi, or resistance bands, is an excellent choice for seniors looking to stay fit. It means you can work your muscles without putting your body at risk of an injury.
A group exercise class is always worthwhile, as it also gives you the chance to socialize.
If you are new to exercise, it's best to work with an instructor who can show you how to do the moves. It will ensure you gain maximum benefits with minimal risk to the body.
Yes, exercise classes for seniors are designed to accommodate those with a wide range of fitness and mobility levels. Many group exercises, like yoga and resistance bands, can be adapted so that seniors can remain seated throughout.
Always listen to your body when doing exercise in your senior years, and don't put too much strain on your body. If you are worried about feeling wobbly during a yoga move, swap to a chair instead or grab hold of a railing.
Seniors benefit from light exercise two to three times a week. As your fitness level improves, you can increase this up to five times a week, provided there is some variety in your exercise activities so that you aren't putting too much pressure on a single muscle group each day.
It's always best to choose an activity you enjoy as you'll find it easier to commit to in the long term. For some, that might be a calming group walk first thing in the morning, whereas others might prefer a more lively and sociable dance class.
Don't overlook the importance of fitness in staying healthy when you reach retirement. Lots of exercise groups for seniors are easily adapted, so make sure you try an activity, even if you have mobility or other health issues.
Set in the heart of Atlantic, IA, and with ample on-site amenities, such as restaurant-style dining and a worship center, Allen Place offers an exciting senior lifestyle paired with small-town charm. Book a tour to see our fantastic community.