As we grow older our bodies and minds need extra attention. It’s extremely important for senior citizens to pay close attention to their physical and mental health. This article will outline 7 simple, yet effective exercises to keep your mind and body in good shape.
There are lots of exercises and activities you can schedule into your daily routine. If you have any concerns or suffer from any adverse health conditions, consult with your physician before trying any out any of these exercises. If your general health is good, you can get started right away.
Walking
Walking is free, fun and very effective. The only thing you will need are some walking shoes, comfortable clothes and a place to walk. The best time to go out for a walk is in the early evening or early morning. If you are just starting out, begin walking for around 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Gradually increase your walking time until you can walk for an hour straight without any problems.
There are a variety of benefits to walking. You can maintain a healthy blood sugar level, control your weight, lower cholesterol, improve circulation and elevate your mood.
Jogging
If you don’t have any heart or breathing problems and you are fairly active, jogging is a great way to get some exercise. Just like walking, you should gradually build up the intensity of your jogs. The more consistent and slower you progress, the less likely you will suffer an injury or a setback. You can even start walking for a few months until you are ready to increase intensity. There are many seniors who starting running or jogging in their 70s and 80s who finish marathons!
Yoga
If you don’t like to walk or jog, maybe you will enjoy yoga. Yoga is a great way to remain active and build strength. People who regularly practice Yoga experience lots of health benefits. With help from a professional trainer you can use the right asanas to battle a wide range of health problems. You can improve your posture, reduce joint pain and increase concentration.
Swimming
Swimming is not only easy on joints and muscles, its lots of fun. Anyone who doesn’t suffer from any major health problems can enjoy swimming. Benefits include improved flexibility, better posture, strength building and the prevention of cardiovascular illness.
Pilates
One of the largest advantages of Pilates is that any exercise can be customized to fit your needs. Pilates is great because it helps you develop balance, muscle strength, stamina and flexibility. Much like Yoga, there are many basic exercises you can do at home.
Gardening
If you love nature and have a place to grow plants, gardening is great exercise. It’s a rewarding and fun activity that requires very little to get started. All you need are some seeds (vegetables, flowers, herbs) and the earth. Gardening gets your body moving and you can experience the pleasure of growing something. Watching your plants grow will give you a feeling of accomplishment and joy.
The Gym
If you aren’t into any of the other exercises mentioned, perhaps you will like the gym. There a wide variety of exercises to keep you busy. You can also benefit from the knowledge of the staff members. An experienced trainer or class instructor can help create a program tailored just for you.
This list mentions some exercises that seniors can enjoy, but it’s by no means complete. There are an endless amount of things that you can try including dancing, golfing, tennis, bowling etc. Let us know what your favorite exercise is. How do you like to stay active?
