Winter Workout Exercises for Seniors

Physical activity has many health benefits such as strengthening both the muscles and the cardiovascular system while improving the respiratory system and helping folks to live longer. Exercise helps prevent many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke all while promoting good mental health and independence in seniors as well as helping them lead a quality, healthful, lifestyle.

Exercise is important all year round but perhaps most importantly during the winter months when it is too cold and hazardous for seniors to spend time outside. There are many exercises that can be done in the comfort of the senior’s home or indoors that are effective and safe.

Indoor Exercises/Physical Activities

• Yoga
• Low Impact Aerobics
• Pilates
• Water Aerobics
• Dance Classes. This option provides a social element.
• Tai Chi Classes
• Qi Gong Classes
• Playing Exergame. These are video games designed specifically to boost the fitness level and include the PlayStation Move or Wii Fit.
• Go To the Gym. Instructions on proper equipment use and a doctor’s advice should be acquired before using any gym equipment. This equipment includes: the treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, weights, and pull-up/sit-up benches.
• Swim In an Indoor Pool. For a needed change the active senior might try water aerobics.
• Walking. Walking the halls of an apartment building or house, or mall-walking, are great ways to walk indoors.

Seniors Need Motivation to Exercise

Many seniors are discouraged by barriers such as chronic health conditions or concerns about injuries or falling. If an individual has not exercised regularly in the past, they may not know where to begin. Perhaps recurring health problems or disabilities are keeping them from being active or perhaps they believe themselves too old or frail. Frankly, seniors simply do not have the option of not exercising if they want to remain healthy and live longer. Exercise plays a key role in staying strong, being energetic, and staying healthy as we get older. Read More.