Staying Active in Winter

Elders in group fitness class

Getting plenty of physical activity is important no matter what time of year it is.  Unfortunately, it can be tough to stick to a fitness routine when cold winter weather prevents you from doing some of your usual activities, like going for a walk in the park.  If you’re a senior who tends to fall into a sedentary lifestyle over the winter, here are a few tips from the team members at American Senior Communities to help you find other ways to stay in shape when the weather gets colder.

Focus on Flexibility

Physical fitness isn’t just about strength and cardiovascular conditioning; flexibility training is also an important component of any fitness routine.  If you’re looking for a healthy activity you can do in the comfort of your own home, you might want to talk to your doctor about stretches you can do to work on your flexibility.  Whether you decide to try some simple stretches on your own or sign up for a yoga class, stretches can do wonders to increase your range of motion, making your daily activities easier.  Not only that, but stretching is also the type of low-impact exercise that’s perfect for seniors!

Take a Walk – Indoors

If you like to take long walks when the weather’s warm, there’s no reason to stop when it’s cold out – you may just need a change of venue.  If it’s too cold to walk outside, try taking a walk around the house instead! If you’ve got some household chores you’ve been putting off all year, winter is the perfect time to check them off your list, and you’ll likely get plenty of exercise while you’re doing them.  Wearing a fitness tracker can be an excellent way to keep track of how many steps you’re getting in, and when the summer rolls back around, you can compare your numbers to get a better idea of how much physical activity you need.

Go For a Swim

No, we don’t mean at the lake or the beach; there are plenty of places you can swim indoors over the winter.  Your local YMCA is a good place to start, and you may be able to find other indoor pool memberships that are in your price range.  Once again, swimming is the kind of low-impact exercise doctors recommend for seniors. Whether you’re swimming some laps on your own or taking a water aerobics class, you’ll be certain to reap some major benefits from getting that physical activity.

These are just a few of the many ways you can get some exercise over the winter, so be creative and think of something that works for you!  Just be sure to speak to your doctor before you start any exercise routine to ensure that it’s safe for you. And if you’re looking for a more structured exercise program, learn more about our New Energy Wellness program which is open to our residents and members of the community.  With New Energy Wellness, you’ll have the opportunity to work with professionals trained in health and fitness to set realistic goals and give you the support you need to achieve them. Remember, your wellness should be a priority all year around, so don’t let the cold weather stop you!

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Disclaimer: The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical advice.

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