The 5 Best At-Home Workouts for Seniors

These last few months at home have caused us to change many things in our lives, and that includes how we stay in shape. Being healthy and fit doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. There are plenty of ways to achieve those goals while saying in the comfort and safety of your home.

Here are 5 at-home workouts that are perfect for seniors:

1. Yoga/Pilates
Muscle strength, aerobic fitness, flexibility and core strength are all fantastic benefits of Pilates for older adults. These low impact exercises are gentle on your body’s joints, but since most of the positions are weight-bearing, it helps to strengthen both your muscles and your bones. Plus, the mental effects of yoga are great for reducing anxiety.

2. Resistance Bands
Missing your weight training or machine workouts at the gym? Did you know a simple set of resistance bands could do the same for your muscle strength? In fact, resistance bands can challenge your muscles in ways your regular workouts can’t. A set of bands can be found at most local retailers and online shops and come in a variety of resistances.

3. Online Fitness Classes
Miss your weekly fitness classes? Don’t worry! There are numerous ways you can tap into those same classes from the comfort of home. Online fitness subscription services offer a variety of classes from Zumba to dance to aerobic and more. YouTube has all kinds of instructional videos for free. And the app store on your phone or tablet can lead you to a fitness app that is just right for your fitness goals.

4. Cycling
Seniors benefit most from low-impact exercise and cycling is one of the best. Yes, if you don’t already own an upright indoor bike or recumbent bike, there will be cost up front, but once you have it in your home, you can workout any time you’d like – even during your favorite TV show. Cycling is known to improve heart health, metabolic health and cognitive performance in those 70 and older.

5. Walking
Perhaps the cheapest and easiest at-home workout that delivers the biggest impact is walking. If you own a treadmill you can do it inside. While 10,000 steps a day are recommended, check with your doctor first. Any level of exercise is beneficial, so just start moving!

Smith Village is committed to helping seniors live healthy and happy lives. Click here for more information on our fitness and wellness programs.