Indoor Exercise for Seniors

Many people combine their physical activity with their time outdoors to utilize their time most efficiently. However, as the winter presses on and conditions grow icy, you may not feel safe continuing your usual exercise regimen outdoors. This shouldn’t give you a reason to give up physical activity altogether, however. A sedentary lifestyle can increase feelings of sadness and lethargy, and can lead to exacerbated muscle and joint problems.

Don’t let the cold stop you from moving. Instead, try indoor exercise for seniors. This way, you can feel good all year round. But remember: before partaking in any new exercises, speak to your doctor to make sure it is right for you

Try yoga

Yoga encourages you to mindfully interact with your body. Through regular practice of targeted poses, you will see vast improvements in your strength, flexibility, and balance. This will help you move more swiftly and confidently. To get started for free, look up beginner’s yoga videos so that you ease into it. Depending on your needs, you may want to start with balance exercises or strength training.

If you believe you’re physically unable to practice yoga, you may be wrong. There is plenty of safe yoga poses for seniors, and even yoga you can do entirely seated. Give these a try—you may be pleasantly surprised by what you can do.

Start dancing

Dancing is a fantastic option for exercise that gets your heart pumping but doesn’t feel laborious– and it reduces stress! You don’t even have to follow a strict routine to feel the effects. Just turn on a playlist and start moving! You might even have so much fun that you won’t realize how much time has passed.

If you’d like something a little more involved than the dance moves you know, follow a dance video on YouTube. These will be certain to make you break a sweat and can be tailored to how long of a workout you’d like.

Step-climbing

Step-climbing is a great, aerobic workout that exercises the muscles in your legs and knees. Use the first step of your staircase and step up, around, and back down an elevated platform. Make sure you move slowly and use your handrail to avoid an accident.

If you don’t have stairs, you could use a small step stool. Make sure that it is sturdy and in a location where it will not slip, like up against a wall.

Go for an indoor walk

You don’t have to go outside to go for a walk. Instead of skipping your daily walk on particularly frigid days, have it in the great indoors. Walk around the first floor of your home while listening to music or a podcast. If you have a TV show you’ve been watching, you can pace in place instead of sitting on the couch.

Join a gym

If you have the means, joining a gym is a fantastic way to get a diverse array of exercise in. There, you can use a variety of machines to target specific muscle groups. If you go to a larger gym, you could even work with a trainer. They can develop an exercise regimen that works for your needs, so you can be certain you are doing what is best for your body.

Alternatively, you could join a class for older adults at your gym. This would be a fantastic way to make friends while improving your physical fitness.

Personal care needs covered with home care

Despite doing your best to stay active, you may find certain activities—like bathing, dressing, or toileting—a little more difficult to complete on your own. An at-home caregiver can offer you the dignified, compassionate support you need to look and feel your best throughout the day.

In addition to personal care, your home care professional can prepare healthy meals, help with light housekeeping, and set up medication reminders. If you think you may benefit from the help of an at-home caregiver, call us at (773) 274-9262. We would be happy to help.