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 the weather or COVID-19 prevents you from doing some of your usual activities, like going to the gym. If you’re a senior who tends to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, below are a few tips from the team members at American Senior Communities to help you find other ways to stay in shape.
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 or therapist about stretches you can do to work on your flexibility. Whether you decide to try some simple stretches on your own, watch a yoga class online or sign up for a 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
It’s always good to get fresh air as the weather warms up. Long walks can be low impact and if you can remain socially distanced, this can be done without a mask! 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, now 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.
Go For a Swim
As places start to open back up, look at where you might be able to swim. 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, so be creative and think of something that works for you! Additionally, be sure to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine as that will provide more freedom as to how and where you can exercise. 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 round, so don’t let cold or rainy weather stop you!
