Experts recommend seniors get thirty minutes of activity a day. With in-home senior fitness, older adults can easily participate in routine exercises from the comfort of their homes, while helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more.
As a senior, with improved strength, flexibility, and balance, you can maintain your independence and prevent injury, while the endorphins released during exercise can help to improve your mood and cognitive function.
Beginning Your Fitness Journey
While it’s not needed, before you start moving in your living room you might want to consider picking up the following gear:
- A nonslip, padded exercise mat
- Supportive sneakers
- A water bottle
Once you are prepared, clear some space inside or in your backyard and take a look at these in-home senior fitness workouts.
- Yoga: Yoga can easily be done at home. There are thousands of instructional videos online to get you started, ranging from quick five minute stretches to hour-long mediations. Get started with a class specifically for seniors, or a chair yoga class if you prefer to remain seated. If you are new to yoga, it is best to start slow to prevent injuries. Never push yourself too hard–if something hurts, stop. A nonslip mat will also make sure your practices are safe.
- Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a meditative practice that is excellent for older adults. It is low impact and uses slow, deliberate movements and positions. Like yoga, you can find in-home senior fitness workouts for Tai Chi on YouTube or at your local library. Because Tai Chi is slow and low impact, it can be done every day either sitting or standing. Tai Chi is wonderful for your mind as well, as it also can reduce stress.
- Weight Training: You don’t need equipment to build muscle. There are many senior-approved workouts you can do at home to get stronger. Just be sure not to overexert yourself, and check with your doctor if you have chronic conditions that can be exacerbated by strenuous activity. There are many safe exercises to strengthen you, and often all you need is a chair! Don’t be afraid to start slow and build up to more intensive exercises. Even a few minutes a day will build muscle.
- Hand And Finger Exercises: Hand strength is an often overlooked aspect of fitness, and seniors might find their hands weakening. If you are finding it more difficult to grip things, use delicate utensils, or your hands get easily fatigued, you might benefit from hand strength exercises. Simple activities, like squeezing a stress ball while you are watching television can help to improve your hand strength.
- Dancing: Whether you are solo or with a partner, dancing is a great way to improve coordination, balance, get your heart rate up, and have fun. The intensity and skill of the dance workout that you select is up to you. If you enjoy moving with lively music, Zumba might be right up your alley. Like things at a slower pace? No problem! Sites like YouTube have great in-home ballroom dancing videos for you and a partner!
Finding Your Favorite In-Home Fitness Workout
There is no excuse not to move! There are so many in-home senior fitness videos, and activities you can do. Even those with limited mobility will find huge benefits from movement. If you have specific needs or fears, consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. They will let you know what is safe and beneficial for you. So dip your toe into a few of these in-home senior fitness workouts, and find what works best for you. Your body and mind will thank you!
Sources:
- In-Home Care
- Senior Lifestyle
