Share:

As you age, a key aspect of healthy independent living is regular exercise. It keeps you in shape, alleviates the effects of diabetes, arthritis, and other medical conditions, and promotes clarity and sharpness of mind. No matter your age or ability level, there are exercises that are just challenging enough to be beneficial while still being easy to do—and you don’t even have to rely on the weather outside. 

3 Simple Exercises for Seniors to Try Indoors 

1. Using Weights

By building muscles, you improve your metabolism and help your body become stronger. Take a pair of light weights and do bicep curls and arm raises in every direction you can. You can also sit on a chair with weighted elastic bands strapped to your ankles and slowly lift your legs.

If you don’t have any weights, you can still build muscle by doing squats, toe stands, and leg lifts while holding onto the back of a chair to stay balanced. Pushups are effective, too.

Even walking laps around your home while holding the weights can be a good workout. Whatever exercises you choose, try doing three sets of five to 10 repetitions of each, gradually working your way up to more. 

2. Aerobics 

independent livingAlthough running, jogging, swimming, and biking are excellent forms of aerobic exercise, walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or so per day can make a difference in your body’s strength, endurance, and resistance to disease.

Gyms are often available at many senior independent living communities so that you can socialize, watch TV, or admire the outdoor scenery through a window while you exercise safely. To boost the fun factor, join an aerobic dance or tai chi class. 

3. Stretching 

Starting off your morning with stretches increases your mental awareness throughout the rest of the day. You’ll also improve your flexibility, which helps prevent injury when you exercise.

While holding onto a chair, stretch your quads by grabbing your ankle and pulling it gently behind you. Clasp your hands together behind your back to stretch your chest and arms, then reach upward to warm up your shoulders as well.

 

For a community that will support your commitment to exercise as part of your independent living routine, take a tour of Abbington Assisted Living. They’re proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. The senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton. 

tracking