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At-Home Workouts For Seniors
Most of us know we should work out and move our bodies, but what keeps many people from physical activity is accessibility, especially for older adults who may not have transportation or mobility to go to a gym. Thankful, there are tons of at-home workouts that are perfect for seniors and can get you amazing results without leaving your home.
Working Out Goals For Seniors
Physical activity is essential at any age to improve and maintain physical and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals 65 and older should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Moderate intensity would be an activity that elevates the heart rate but allows one to hold a conversation, such as a brisk walk or easy hike.
The CDC also suggests incorporating strength training and balancing activities two days a week. Strength training would be anything that helps build muscle, such as lifting light weights or doing bodyweight exercises like pushups or situps. Balance work would include slow-moving activities like yoga that focus on building balance and core strength.
Exercising as you get older may grow challenging, but it’s better to incorporate some physical activity into your routine than none. The more you move your body throughout the week, the easier it’ll become.
Working Out At Home
There are plenty of gyms and outdoor activities throughout Southwest Colorado for you to partake in, but getting an effective, full-body workout at home is possible. Consider the following activities the next time you want to move your body but don’t feel like leaving the house.
Yoga
Yoga is wonderful for maintaining balance, improving mobility, and building strength. It’s also a great at-home workout because you don’t need any special equipment for an effective workout. Yoga flows are about listening to your body and finding slow, fluid movement that feels good. If you’re new to yoga, you can find many online videos and courses to follow.
Dance Workouts
Dance workouts like Zumba offer seniors a fun and engaging way to stay active from the comfort of their homes. With upbeat music and easy-to-follow dance moves, Zumba provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, flexibility, and coordination. Seniors can adjust the intensity to suit their fitness level, making it accessible for everyone. Plus, dancing releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress. Whether following along with online videos or joining virtual classes, Zumba is a fantastic way for seniors to shake off stress and stay fit while having a blast.
Yard Work or Gardening
For seniors who enjoy spending time in nature, yard work presents an excellent opportunity to get moving while tending to their outdoor spaces. Gardening, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and planting flowers all involve physical activity that engages various muscle groups. These tasks not only help seniors stay active but also promote a sense of accomplishment as they beautify their surroundings. Additionally, spending time outdoors provides exposure to sunlight, which boosts vitamin D levels and supports overall well-being. By incorporating yard work into their routine, seniors can enjoy the benefits of exercise while nurturing their connection to nature.
Stay Safe With Visiting Angels
Fitness can come with potential safety risks at any age, but taking the proper safety precautions is especially important for older adults. One of the best ways to stay safe is to enlist an at-home caregiver from Visiting Angels.
Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to seniors' safety and independent living. Our caregivers assist with nonmedical tasks like mobility, medication reminders, and transportation. They also provide companionship and enjoy acting as an accountability buddy to clients, ensuring they’re safe during their physical activity.
You can learn more about at-home care with Visiting Angels by contacting our Southwest Colorado office.