Senior Exercise: Making Fitness a Part of Your Daily Routine

The Importance of Senior Fitness

Today's seniors are more vital than ever before. And good exercise is just as important for them as it is for people in any other age group. In fact, a 2013 study in Population Health Management found that senior exercise programs helped improve the overall quality of life for those who regularly participated in them. Exercise was actually found to be more important than a healthy diet. Specifically, the study found that seniors who exercised regularly were more likely to have:

• Improved physical and mental health
• Increased energy
• Improved social interactions
• Slowing or reversal of overall declining health
• Fewer limitations with daily activities
• Lower risk of depression
• Fewer falls and injuries
• Lower rates of hospitalization
• Lower rates of chronic disease (or more manageable symptoms for those who are already affected by it)

So, as you can see, there are many great benefits to beginning a regular workout routine. Continue reading the following sections to discover some of your fitness options and explore a few exercise videos for seniors.

Recommended Guidelines When It Comes to Exercises for Seniors

For adults who are 65 or older, don't have any limiting health concerns, and are generally fit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise). Seniors who want to achieve even greater health benefits can up their moderate-intensity exercise to 300 minutes a week or vigorous-intensity exercise to 150 minutes a week. The CDC also recommends taking part in muscle-strengthening exercises that work all major muscle groups at least two days per week.

Aerobic exercise—also called cardio—is any activity that makes you breathe harder and raises your heart rate. It includes activities like mowing the lawn or shoveling snow, as long as you're doing the activity for a minimum of 10 minutes at a time. Doing it at moderate intensity means that you should still be able to talk. An example would be going on a brisk walk. Exercising at a vigorous intensity means that you would only be able to speak a few words without having to stop what you're doing.

Muscle-strengthening exercises are just as important as aerobic exercises. They can help you maintain your muscle and bone mass and slow down common age-related ailments like back and joint pain. When you do any strengthening exercise, you want to try to do eight to 12 repetitions before you take a break. Then, you should try to repeat that two or three more times. Depending on your current fitness level, you may not be able to start or complete that kind of routine, but you can work up to it and eventually get there.

Types of Senior Exercise

Balance Exercises

These exercises are important for fall prevention because they help you improve your ability to control your body. They can also help build your lower body strength, which is important for maintaining and improving your stability. When you do any balance exercises, be sure to have a sturdy chair or surface nearby so that you have something to hold on to if you become unsteady. Also, do a combination of exercises for both standing and moving balance.

Check out these three exercises that you can try out:

1. Standing on one foot

• Stand behind a sturdy chair and place your hands on it for balance.
• Lift one leg up so that your foot is off the floor.
• Hold that position for 10 seconds (or less if you can't hold it for that long).
• Repeat that motion 10 to 15 times and then switch to your other leg and do the same thing.
• Try to repeat the whole routine two or three more times.

2. Walking heel to toe

• To help you maintain balance during this exercise, place your arms straight out from your sides. You can also do this exercise in a hallway or near a wall.
• Start by placing the heel of your one foot directly in front of the toes of your other foot.
• Focus your eyes on a spot in front of you to help you maintain your balance.
• Step forward with your back foot and place your heel directly in front of your toes on your other foot.
• Repeat until you have taken 20 steps.

3. Knee marching

• Place a sturdy chair in front of you so that you can use it for support if needed.
• Place your arms at your sides and stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
• Raise one knee up as high as you comfortably can.
• Lower it and then raise your knee on the other side in the same way.
• Repeat the above steps up to 20 times.

Endurance Exercises

Endurance exercises increase your breathing and heart rate and help you maintain and improve your strength, mobility, stability, and balance. They also help you burn fat and improve your energy levels. All of that can make you feel better, stay healthier, and manage everyday activities more easily.

Try to complete endurance exercises at least three days a week. Start by participating in an endurance activity or exercise for 10 minutes at a time. Then, try to eventually work up to 30 minutes. Warm up and cool down after your endurance training by stretching or walking lightly to prevent muscle strains and injuries. Also, make sure to drink lots of water, dress appropriately, and wear proper shoes.

If you get dizzy or so winded that you're not able to talk, then take a break and reduce your intensity level. You can also get a heart rate monitor to ensure that you're not working out too hard. Plus, remember: Before starting any exercise program, check with your doctor, especially if you're concerned about exercising with certain conditions or diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes.

There are many ways to endurance train. Here are some examples:

• Indoors: Use an elliptical machine or treadmill at home or in the gym, or attend dance or aquafit classes.
• Outdoors: Go for a brisk walk or jog, ride a bike, or go skating.

Household activities like gardening, shoveling snow, and raking leaves can also count as endurance activities as long as your breathing and heart rate increases and you do the activity for at least 10 minutes. Any activities that meet those criteria are considered endurance exercises.

Flexibility Exercises

Maintaining and improving your flexibility helps you feel better and can reduce your muscle aches and pains. Routines that improve your flexibility can also make engaging in other exercises and activities easier and more enjoyable. That's because stretching increases your range of motion, and it can also improve your posture and relieve arthritis, back pain, and joint aches and pains.

It's recommended that you perform stretches and flexibility exercises at least two to three times per week. However, if you're experiencing soreness after an injury or surgery, then you may want to stretch up to three times a day. (Just be sure to check with your doctor first.) When you begin a stretching routine, warm up slowly. Start with gentle stretches first to help prevent pulling muscles.

Try to stretch all of your muscle groups from head to toe. As you do your stretches, make sure that you're not bouncing, holding your breath, or locking your joints. And if a stretch or flexibility exercise is ever painful, then you may be stretching too hard or far. In that case, ease off a little until the pain goes away.

If you're ready to start some flexibility training, then check out the following stretches:

1. Shoulder and upper back stretch

• Get into a seated position on a chair. Ensure that you're sitting straight with both feet planted firmly on the floor.
• Bring the palms of your hands together in front of your chest—as if you're praying—and take in a deep breath through your nose at the same time.
• Draw your breath in all the way down to your abdomen.
• As you slowly exhale, bring your arms out to your sides—with your palms facing out—and then raise your arms over your head.
• Begin to inhale as you bring your arms back down and go back into your original position with your palms together in front of your chest again.
• Repeat the stretch at least 10 times.
• Increase the intensity of the stretch by putting on light wrist weights.

2. Back stretch

• Sit on a sturdy chair with armrests.
• Position yourself toward the front of the chair and make sure that your feet are flat on the floor about shoulder width apart.
• Keep your spine and neck as straight as possible.
• Place your left hand on the left arm of the chair.
• Place your right hand on the top of your right thigh.
• Keeping your hips firmly planted on the chair, slowly start to twist to the left from your waist and turn your head to the left.
• Twist as far as you comfortably can without lifting your hips. Hold that position for 10 to 30 seconds.
• Slowly return to a forward-facing position and repeat the above steps on the right side.
• Repeat the entire stretch routine three to five times.

3. Back of thigh stretch

• Lie flat on your back on the floor.
• Bend your left knee so that your left foot is flat on the floor.
• Raise your right leg into the air while keeping your knees slightly bent and your head and shoulders flat on the floor.
• Hold on to your right leg with both of your hands. You can hold your leg behind your thigh, knee, or calf depending on which position is the most comfortable for you.
• Slowly pull your right leg toward your body until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. If it hurts, then ease off a little.
• Hold that position for 10 to 30 seconds and then lower your right leg back to the floor.
• Repeat at least three to five times and then do the same steps and repetitions with your left leg.

Muscle-Strengthening Exercises

Strength training helps you build and strengthen your muscles, which can make a huge difference in your everyday life. It also helps you maintain your bone mass, which can prevent conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. In addition, strength training can promote good posture, which can result in fewer muscle aches and pains. So there are a lot of good reasons to incorporate strength-building exercises into your fitness routine.

As with any exercise, make any necessary adjustments for your fitness level and health conditions. Be sure to warm up and cool down with stretching or light walking before and after strength training. And, while performing your exercises, practice good posture, don't hold your breath, and stop any exercises that cause you pain.

It's recommended that you try to strength train two to three times per week. Alternate different muscle groups with each workout to balance your training. Here are some example exercises to get you started:

1. Bicep curl

• Bicep curls require two dumbbells. Make sure that they're suitable for your current strength level. For beginners, three- to five-pound weights are usually enough.
• Sit in a sturdy armless chair and ensure that you have good posture.
• Place a dumbbell in each hand, relax your shoulders, and let your arms fall to your sides with your elbows close to your body and your palms facing out.
• With your elbows at your sides, bend them and lift your dumbbells three-quarters of the way up to your shoulders and then slowly lower them again.
• Repeat 10 to 12 times.
• Have a short rest and then repeat the steps over again two or three more times.

2. Lunges

• If you're unsteady on your feet, do this exercise with a chair or wall nearby.
• Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart.
• Place your arms at your sides or place your hands on your hips.
• Keep your back straight and step forward with your right foot.
• Push back with your right foot so that you return to your original standing position.
• Repeat those steps 10 times and then do the same with your left leg.
• Take a short rest and then repeat the entire sequence two or three more times.

3. Straight leg raises

• Lie flat on your back on the floor and engage your abdominal muscles.
• Lift your right knee up toward your chest while keeping your left leg on the floor. Be sure to keep your hips straight and don't lift them off the floor.
• Straighten your right leg and then slowly bring it back to the floor.
• Repeat 10 times with your right leg and then do the same with your left leg.
• Repeat the entire sequence two or three more times.

Exercise Classes to Consider

Joining exercise classes or groups can be another great way to get in shape while getting out of the house and socializing. Many classes involve a variety of workouts, giving you a bit of balance, endurance, flexibility, and strength training all in one session. Along with giving you a good workout, classes can also help your exercise regime stay interesting and fun.

Take a look at places like the YMCA or other local fitness, community, or senior centers to see what kinds of programs are offered. Depending on where you live, there could be a lot of classes, clubs, and groups that are specifically designed for seniors. You could take part in activities like:

• Cross-country skiing
• Dancing
• Nordic walking
• Pilates
• Spinning (indoor cycling)
• Step aerobics
• Swimming
• Tai chi
• Tennis or golfing
• Yoga
• Zumba

Free Exercises on YouTube

There are literally hundreds—if not thousands—of exercise channels on YouTube that you can view on a computer or mobile device. Some of them are targeted to seniors, and others offer exercise videos to people of all ages and fitness levels. Here are some of the more popular choices:

• BeFIT
• Curtis Adams
• Eldergym
• National Institute on Aging

Tips for Getting and Staying Fit

Incorporating daily exercise into your life can be simple and fun. There are many ways to improve and maintain your health. But it's important to find the approaches that work best for you. So check out the tips below. They can help you start achieving your health and fitness goals.

1. Eat healthy, nutritious food and drink lots of water. When it comes to senior fitness, fueling your body with good food and staying hydrated is one of the most important steps to take. It helps keep your body energized and feeling strong, which makes working out much easier.

2. Take part in a variety of exercises and activities. Join exercise classes and find free or inexpensive activities in your community. Changing up your routine makes exercise more interesting, and it helps ensure that you're working all of your major muscle groups.

3. Create a schedule and keep track of your activities. Pick a day every week to sit down and plan your exercises and activities for the next seven days. Include in-home workouts, classes, and any other activities and outings that count as exercise, such as mowing the lawn or walking around a shopping mall. It will be easier to commit to your fitness program if you write it down and keep it in a visible spot such as the fridge door or kitchen table.

4. Plan to complete your exercises or activities at the times of day when your energy is the highest. You'll be setting yourself up for greater success if you exercise when you feel your best and have the most energy.

5. Ask your friends and family for support. And ask them to join you. Having a support system can be key to keeping your fitness program on track. Along with helping you stay accountable, spending time and staying fit with your family members is also enjoyable.

6. Cut back on your workouts or reduce their intensity if you're excessively sore or in pain afterwards. It may be a sign that you're working too hard for your fitness level. Working out at the right level is more enjoyable, which means that you're more likely to stick to your routine and less likely to incur workout-related injuries.

7. Stay positive. You may find that there are things you can't do, but there's still probably a lot that you can do. So focus your mind on all of the great things you can do to keep in shape. And praise yourself for creating a workout routine and sticking with it.

8. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. If you have any health conditions, disabilities, or physical limitations that you're concerned about, then be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise.

Books About Exercise for Seniors

Below are a few books that offer good information for seniors who want more guidance on how to increase their physical activity.

1. Resistance Band Workouts for Seniors: Strength Training at Home or on the Go by Karina Inkster

This invaluable resource is for older adults of all fitness levels who want to improve their strength and body composition. The book covers the many benefits of strength training for seniors. It includes 50 resistance band exercises that work all the major muscles.

Buy on Amazon

2. Younger Next Year: The Exercise Program by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge

Based on the New York Times bestseller Younger Next Year, this guide demonstrates how aerobic and strength training can help older adults live healthier and more vibrant lives. It explains how to begin a fitness regimen and provides step-by-step instructions for the right way to exercise.

Buy on Amazon

3. Better Balance for Life: Banish the Fear of Falling With Simple Activities Added to Your Everyday Routine by Carol Clements

In this book, personal trainer Carol Clements outlines a series of easy moves that seniors can incorporate into their daily routines to improve their stability and avoid injury. She provides an easy-to-follow 10-week plan that includes illustrated instructions.

Buy on Amazon

4. Yoga for Healthy Aging: A Guide to Lifelong Well-Being by Baxter Bell and Nina Zolotow

This book explains how practicing yoga can benefit older adults by boosting their strength, flexibility, balance, and agility. It presents a variety of senior-friendly yoga sequences and offers alternative versions of each pose.

Buy on Amazon

5. Seated Strength & Flexibility: 26 Chair Exercises Ages 70-100 by Beth Ann Kerr

Aimed at seniors whose daily activities are curtailed by physical limitations, this book describes a simple half-hour exercise routine that can be done while sitting on a chair. Following the straightforward instructions can help ease stiffness and joint pain.

Buy on Amazon

6. Foam Rolling: 50 Exercises for Massage, Injury Prevention, and Core Strength by Karina Inkster

Along with detailed information about how using a foam roller can release muscle tension and build core stability, this book provides clear instructions for dozens of different exercises.

Buy on Amazon

Exercise Equipment for Seniors' Home Workouts

If you're ready to get fit at home, here are a few products you may want to check out.

1. Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

This durable exercise ball can support up to 2,200 pounds and features a reinforced non-slip ridge. It's available in a range of sizes and colors and comes with both a hand pump and a digital workout guide.

Buy on Amazon

2. URBNFit Mini Pilates Ball

This inflatable nine-inch balance ball can come in handy for yoga, Pilates, or physical therapy exercises. Made of professional-grade materials, it can support up to 600 pounds and can be deflated for easy portability.

Buy on Amazon

3. SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands With Handles

These exercise bands can help with strength training and conditioning. Durable and reliable, they come in a variety of resistances and can be purchased with or without a door attachment.

Buy on Amazon

4. Fit Simplify Loop Exercise Bands

Packaged as a set of five, these heavy-duty stretch bands are color-coded by resistance level. They're made of eco-friendly latex and are soft on the skin. A carry bag and instruction guide are included.

Buy on Amazon

5. AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights

The neoprene coating on these dumbbells makes it easier to keep your grip, and the hexagonal shape helps keeps them in place when you put them down. The set of six weights also comes with a stand for convenient storage.

Buy on Amazon

6. AmazonBasics 0.5-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat

With extra-thick cushioning and a textured surface for better traction, this foam mat is both supportive and stable. It comes with an elastic strap for easy carrying.

Buy on Amazon

7. BalanceFrom GoFit Adjustable Ankle and Wrist Weights

Each pair of these ankle and wrist weights comes in weight levels ranging from one to 10 pounds. The Velcro straps make them easy to put on, adjust, and take off.

Buy on Amazon

8. LuxFit Foam Roller

This high-density, extra-firm foam roller keeps its shape and provides solid support. You have your choice of four different sizes.

Buy on Amazon