Winter Fitness Ideas for Seniors

Did you overindulge in tasty treats during the holiday season? You aren’t alone. As the new year begins, most people find themselves tipping the scales a little higher. While it’s a myth that the average person packs on five or ten extra pounds over the holidays, most do gain a few. That happens just as more older adults are spending the majority of their time indoors due to winter weather.

Just because winter is here, however, doesn’t mean you need to give up the idea of staying fit. There are plenty of activities you can safely enjoy indoors. Some are easy to do in the privacy of your own living room, and others are affordable solutions that allow seniors to work out with groups and organizations.

At-Home Fitness Suggestions for Older Adults

• Purchase one piece of exercise equipment: If your budget and space permit, one of the easiest ways to stick to a home fitness routine is to invest in a piece of exercise equipment. A recumbent bike is often a good choice. You’ll reap the same health rewards as riding a bike outdoors, but without the risk of falling.
• Practice tai chi with online videos: The experts at the Arthritis Foundation say tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise that is good for seniors. It’s known for nourishing the body, mind, and soul. For those who live with osteoarthritis, tai chi can be a good way to manage pain and symptoms. You can read more about this ancient Chinese form of exercise here.
• Explore fitness videos on YouTube: This video streaming service is home to exercise videos of all kinds. A quick search will connect you with workouts designed especially for older adults. For example, Senior Fitness With Meredith has nearly 71,000 subscribers! Whether you want to improve your range of motion, do a seated workout, or learn how to use resistance bands, you’ll likely find videos targeted to your fitness goals. All at no cost to you!
  

Let’s Get Physical: Connect With Indoor Senior Fitness Groups

If you need to exercise with a group to keep you motivated, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Walking clubs: The benefits of walking are well-documented. It’s a type of fitness that improves core strength, balance, and overall stamina. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to give up this form of exercise for the winter. You can call around to local shopping malls, big box stores, or even nearby museums to ask about groups of older adults who walk together there. Some even open their doors a little early to allow seniors to stroll before shopping officially begins for the day.
• SilverSneakers: If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, chances are good that it includes a free membership to SilverSneakers. This allows you to exercise at one of their 15,000 member gyms nationwide. And for days when you just don’t feel like getting out, your membership also includes access to on-demand workout videos.
• Local senior center: While people often think of senior centers as a popular place to play bingo and enjoy lectures and craft classes, most also offer fitness activities. For older adults on a budget, this can be a solution that is easy on the wallet. Membership fees are typically low, and many programs are offered free of charge or at nominal cost.

Finding Balance in Your Fitness Routine

As you develop your personal exercise routine, remember that good health involves more than being slim or creating big muscles. Most experts say your goal should be to incorporate four aspects of physical fitness: endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility. That combination helps seniors lower their risk of disease, as well as reduce the chance of experiencing a fall.

Finally, whether you are exercising indoors or out, investing in a safety device is often a good idea. The Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit is discreet and easy to use. Because it works off of wireless technology, you can slip it in your pocket and take it anywhere. In the event you experience an emergency while you are exercising, a simple press of a button can connect you with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to learn more!