Happy November! As the temperatures begin to cool and you inch closer to the holidays, the importance of physical fitness for your health grows even stronger.
The holidays are a time for connection, togetherness, and eating lots of your favorite foods! However, all those favorites, such as turkey, apple pie, and pumpkin pie, make it even more important that you start implementing a regular physical fitness routine.
Optimal physical health is a key factor in your quality of life. As people age, they need to work harder in order to keep participating in their daily activities or to attempt new ones. No matter your age, being active and getting regular exercise will help you feel healthier, stronger, and better overall.
Exercise helps you keep your muscles, joints, and heart fit, as well as helps you keep regular toilet and sleep habits. Great physical health is also essential for your brain.
In fact, according to Mayo Clinic, studies are showing that exercise is necessary for keeping the brain fit. The best news is, you can actually build a stronger brain through exercise.
As you age, keeping your brain and body healthy and fit become more and more of a priority. However, with simple physical fitness activities, you can help ensure that your body and mind are in top shape for years to come.
Physical Fitness Health for Seniors
There are many reasons to stay physically fit and many ways that you can do it. Physical Fitness consists of flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, as well as muscular and bone strength. The very best plan for seniors and their busy caregivers to develop top-notch health includes partaking in several exercises in the following categories daily:
Flexibility for Seniors
- Stretches
Stretch while lying in bed, moving various body parts and stretching muscles that are stiff. You can also implement a strength and balance routine.
- Yoga
Yoga is another form of stretching that builds core body strength and also increases stability.
- Chair Exercises
Chair exercises are a great choice for seniors who have limited mobility. They can be done while seated, focusing on maintaining and improving their range of motion.
Cardiovascular Fitness for Seniors
- Walking
Walking is one of the best and simplest exercises that anyone can do. Walk anywhere; inside, outside, around the neighborhood. Get plenty of walking in and you’re getting a great cardiovascular exercise.
- Swimming
Water exercise is great for seniors. In fact, many pools have classes just for them. Swimming is a fun and easy way to get your heart rate up and exercise the body.
- Biking
Biking is another top exercise, working your muscles and building your strength. If you are able, hop on a bike and ride around the neighborhood.
Strength for Seniors
- Pilates
Much like yoga, pilates is a great form of exercise. This exercise form utilizes stretches, building strength and increasing stability.
- Weight Training
Even seniors can engage in weight training! Use hand weights in order to increase strength, maintain bone strength, tone your muscles, and reduce risk of back injury. Perform 8 to 12 repetitions using light hand weights.
- Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a light exercise that most anyone can do. Various Tai Chi exercises can be modified to work for seniors with different limitations.
Don’t forget to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercise routine. Almost Home DayBreak and Almost Home Senior Services are here to help families by offering quality and affordable Adult Day Care, Assisted Living & Family Consulting Services, including information and resources on how to keep yourself well. Contact Jamie or Trish at (904) 731-4002 or email info@almosthomeseniorservices.com if you have any questions on how we can help you and your family. We look forward to talking with you soon!
