Gentle Exercise for Seniors: A Practical Daily Routine You Can Start Now

Gentle exercise for seniors focuses mostly on the use of aerobic exercises. These exercises are cardio-centric, low-impact routines that help you maintain your strength after 70.

Are you getting enough exercise in the average week?? The CDC claims that seniors should have at least 150 minutes of exercise in an average week. 

Lafayette, CO, is a perfect town for seniors to enjoy their golden years. Known for its vibrant downtown and small-town atmosphere, the city is close enough to Boulder for those who want to hop city lines. Whether you're here for our outdoor recreation parks or to join in on our artistic community, we're proud to have you!

Mastering senior daily movement can feel overwhelming, but there's not much difficulty in combining exercise and aging safely. Read on for a brief overview of aerobic exercise and gentle exercise for seniors.

What Is Aerobic Exercise?

While looking into fitness and exercise, aerobics is something you'll certainly find. But what is aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise is a type of exercise that focuses on continuous, rhythmic movements. The Cleveland Clinic defines these exercises as ones that focus on using your large muscle groups in repetitive motions.

Put simply, it's a type of exercise that does the opposite of high-impact exercises like jumping or weightlifting. Aerobic exercise focuses on low-impact routines.

Mobility and Balance Tips: Low and High Impact Exercise

An exercise's impact is how intense it is on your body. High-impact exercises put more of a strain on your body than low-impact exercises. Specifically, they strain your muscles, joints, and bones.

Low-impact routines are much less intense on your body. The exercises are less grueling and, in most cases, easier.

Some aerobic exercises include:

• In-place movements
• General cardio, such as running and jogging
• Meditative stretching
• Swimming and water-based workouts

In short, aerobic exercises are a great way to get some senior daily movement. These light cardio routines assist in providing balance and strength to seniors who are otherwise struggling with health.

Gentle Exercise for Seniors

What are some of the most common low-impact routines for seniors? It's important to understand which workouts you can engage in without much risk.

An important factor is how these exercises will help you stay social. According to a study from Michigan Medicine, roughly 1 in every 3 seniors above the age of 50 feels isolated or lonely.

The good news is that aerobic exercise is designed, in many cases, to be done in a group. While there are many solo exercises, these workouts shine best in an exercise class.

If you're interested in group fitness, check your local activity calendar. These calendars stay stocked with events you can plan around.

Some Strength Training

Strength training is perfect for increasing your body's strength, stability, and balance. However, many strength-focused exercises are too high-impact for the average senior.

Pick your exercises carefully and think about your limits. There are plenty of exercises that are great for beginners.

Tai Chi and Yoga

Not every exercise needs to leave you panting and sweating. Some aerobic exercise is ideal for relaxation and meditation. Because of this, it's important to know about two common meditative exercises for seniors: Tai Chi and Yoga.

Tai Chi is a type of exercise that focuses less on strain and more on movement. These movements are typically slow, easy, and fluid, making them more effective for balance and stability than a grueling workout. While it won't make you a bodybuilder, its health benefits can't be understated.

Tai Chi is crucial for reducing stress, strain, and pain. Since it's relaxing and low-intensity, your body will undergo significantly less strain.

Yoga is somewhat similar in intensity, but different in practice. Yoga is a pose-based exercise that encourages relaxation and circulation.

It's important to note that both of these exercise routines have more intense variations. Speak to your instructor and see what form is best for you!

On that note, you should also look into common movements and poses. These exercise routines are incredibly customizable, making it easy for you to pick and choose what works best for your current health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Good Beginner Exercises?

Tai Chi and Yoga are often seen as beginner exercises. That's because they're low-intensity, customizable, and great in a class format.

For more active workouts, consider cardio-centric exercises. Walking, treading water, swimming, and using a treadmill are all great.

Can I Exercise Solo?

While you can exercise alone, it isn't suggested. For one, working out alone will cut down on the benefits of exercising in a group.

You'll also have more limited of your community's fitness amenities. Since these areas are normally public, you won't be able to use them when alone in your room.

Most importantly, working out alone is often dangerous. If you have an accident, such as a fall, nobody will be around to help you. You'll have to wait until help arrives, which also means you'll need to be able to signal help.

You also risk doing the exercises incorrectly. If you're making mistakes with your exercise, a workout partner or instructor can help you solve the issues. But if you're alone, you'll simply engrain bad habits.

Many assisted living communities focus on providing you with everything you need to stay active and healthy. You can work out alone, but it's not the best way to do it.

Do Aerobic Exercises Grow Muscles?

You'll see some muscle growth, especially for strength-focused exercises like the resistance band. Still, aerobic exercise focuses more on health and stability than physical strength. 

Understanding Gentle Exercise for Seniors

Mastering gentle exercise for seniors means knowing about the most effective exercise routines. Start with beginner exercises and gradually move to more intense and demanding workouts. 

Here at The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail, we focus on providing you with everything you need to elevate your life. Our signature programs, Vibrant Life® and Elevate® Dining, help you to customize your daily routine without having to make any sacrifices. Contact us today to see how we can help you customize your schedule and make the most of your golden years.