What Type of Exercise is Best for Seniors?

Think of your exercise routine like a well-balanced diet. Just as you adjust your diet as you age, the type of exercise can be adjusted to what your body needs.

A combination of aerobic/endurance and muscle strengthening can help you prevent health problems, boosts your mood, increase brain function, and so much more.

4 Best Types of Exercise

1. Balance

Balance exercises help improve overall mobility, function, and aid in fall prevention.

Standing on One Foot

Equipment: Chair

Starting Position: Stand off to the side of the chair, allowing you to still hold on with one hand.

• While standing on one side of the chair, you will lift the foot farthest from the chair off the ground in a position that is comfortable for you.
• Hold the position for 30-45 seconds keeping head up, tummy tight, and shoulders back.
• Eventually, it would be beneficial to work the knee up to 90 degrees.
• Repeat with the opposite leg.

Expert Tip: You can close your eyes to add more of a challenge to this exercise. Ensure you’re comfortable with the exercise itself before making it more difficult.

2. Endurance/Aerobic

Endurance or aerobic exercises increase your heart rate, improve heart health, and can provide you with more energy throughout the day.

• Dancing
• Swimming
• Biking
• Jogging

Consider an aquatic class for endurance training, it’s a low-impact exercise that will not only build endurance but increase core strength and flexibility and as well.

3. Flexibility

To keep your body limber and help prevent injury add flexibility exercises to your routine.

Back Stretch

Maintaining mobility of the back is essential for good posture and reducing back pain.

1. Sit as tall as you can with both feet planted on the ground, in a chair with arms.
2. While holding onto the left chair arm, twist your torso to the left and look over your left shoulder.
3. Hold for several breaths.
4. Repeat with the right side, holding for several breaths during stretch.

4. Strength

Strength training exercises are good for maintaining muscle and bone strength as you age. When you supplement your stretching routine with strength training exercises, you’ll help to balance out weaker muscles with the added benefit of flexibility.

• Weights or dumbells
• No equipment exercises
• Pilates
• Working with resistance bands

Now that you’ve gotten in the right mindset for healthier living, how about keeping the positivity going? Download our eBook on how to Improve Your Fitness Over 60!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.