We love welcoming patients of all walks of life, especially our beloved seniors! In fact, helping older patients feel better and continue to enjoy moving freely and participating in the activities they love is one of our favorite parts about doing what we do.
As your partner in health, we want to ensure you stay active for years to come. After all, activity equals independence! One of the best ways to do that is to exercise regularly.
Here are a few of the best exercises for seniors.
Resistance bands. You’ve probably seen or used resistance bands at some point during your life. They’re long, rubbery, and stretchy, with different levels of resistance for whatever kind of workout you’re seeking. You can use resistance bands from the comfort of your own home and to work on strengthening various body parts including the core, which is critical for maintaining good balance and posture as you age.
Chair yoga. This low-impact exercise involves the same movements you’d find in a typical yoga class but modified to take place in a seated position. This means it’s more accessible for people of all ages, and is less stress on arthritic bones, muscles, and joints. Ask your local yoga studio if they offer classes or discover beginner videos on YouTube.
Water aerobics. Growing in popularity now more than ever, water aerobics offers people the ability to get a full body workout without the added stress on their joints due to buoyancy. In the water, you can work on improving strength, flexibility, and even balance. If you have a pool or a local gym with a pool, try running on the spot in the shallow end, or hanging onto the side of the pool while you extend your legs backwards and kick.
Have other questions about exercise? We’d be happy to answer them at your next appointment.