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Get Moving: The 5 Best Exercises for Seniors

If fitness has always been a part of your life, you already understand the importance of continuing to workout as you age. But, as your body changes and your joints don’t move as easily as they used to, exercising can become more difficult. 

Don’t let the changes in your body stop you from maintaining your workout routine. By shifting to more senior-friendly exercises, you can maintain your physical and mental health without putting too much strain on your body. 

The 5 Best Senior Exercises 

While you might have spent years running on the treadmill or lifting weights at the gym, that type of demanding exercise could have caused your body some aches and pains over time. If you start to feel your exercise routine is too challenging, you should explore more low-impact senior exercises that are easy on your joints but still help you be healthy and fit. 

1. Walking: This low-impact senior exercise can improve cardiovascular health and ease any tension on your joints. Especially if you used to be a runner, walking is a great alternative that provides similar cardiovascular benefits. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking several days a week.
2. Chair exercises: If your mobility is limited, these exercises can be done while sitting in a chair and are great for older adults looking to stay healthy. Examples include seated leg lifts, arm circles, and shoulder shrugs.
3. Water aerobics: Exercising in water is a low-impact senior exercise that’s easy on the joints, making it a great choice for older adults with arthritis, joint issues, or lingering pain. Water aerobics classes are often available at community centers and local gyms. 
4. Yoga: Yoga is a great exercise for any age. This exercise for seniors can improve flexibility, balance, and strength, all of which are important for older adults. Plus, since yoga requires little to no gear, you can easily do yoga classes at local gyms or in the comfort of your own home. Start with a beginner class and work your way up. 
5. Resistance band training: Resistance bands are a safe and effective way to build strength and improve balance. This type of senior exercise is inexpensive and easy to do at home. Search online for exercises that target the major muscle groups, such as bicep curls, shoulder presses, or squats.

Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. Upside offers dedicated Upside Managers to help you easily find and enroll in local fitness classes, gyms, or virtual classes that can jumpstart your fitness journey. And the best part is you can take advantage of our concierge services even if you live in your existing home. 

Why Is Exercise for Seniors Important? 

While it’s easy to dismiss the importance of working out, especially as you age, the reality is the older you get, the more important it is to focus on your health and wellness. 

Exercise is important for seniors for many reasons, including: 

• Maintaining mobility and independence: Regular exercise can help seniors maintain their ability to perform daily activities safely and with confidence.
• Improving cardiovascular health: Senior exercise has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve circulation.
• Preventing falls: Exercise can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
• Managing chronic conditions: Exercise can help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
• Improving mental health: Senior exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve cognitive function.
• Increasing socialization: Joining a local exercise class or group can provide opportunities for socialization and help seniors stay connected to their community.

Improve Your Physical and Mental Health with Regular Exercise

Regular exercise for seniors can help maintain physical and mental health, provide a great outlet for socialization, and help improve quality of life. If you need help getting started, reach out to Upside, and we’ll get you in contact with an Upside Manager to help you coordinate services and events that you care about.