Healthy Exercises for Aging Joints | Executive Care of Toms River
If your aging loved one is looking for an active and independent lifestyle, getting daily exercise is especially important! However, many seniors have some joint pain or mobility limitations that can make regular exercise very difficult.
So, what can these individuals do? Let’s take a look at some low-impact exercises that are easy for people with limited mobility to work into their daily routine!
Walking Is a Good Place to Begin
Many people may not think of walking as an exercise. But this most basic mode of getting around is also the most basic form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise!
Even those who are out of shape or have some limited mobility can be encouraged to get into the habit of walking over time. Squeezing in just 10 minutes of walking a day can make the difference between a somewhat active and sedentary lifestyle.
Make the Most of Sitting
Seniors who are wheelchair-bound or need a walker to get around might find a daily walk to be a taxing or even impossible option. Luckily, there are some great exercise options that can be done while seated!
Some low-impact upper body chair exercises are perfect even for people who don’t have great range of motion in their lower bodies. Start the seated workout off with some simple neck stretches, arm stretches and shoulder circles to warm up.
Next, grab some light weights or some canned vegetables to do some basic strength exercises. With weights in hand, perform a set of seated row exercises by drawing the elbows back and squeezing the shoulder blades together, and then extending the arms forward again. Keep those weights in hand to do some slow shoulder rolls after to work those trapezius muscles.
Finally, work out the core and stretch out the back with some gentle seated abdominal twists
Get to Swimming
Swimming is a famed full-body workout on its own, with low impact on the joints. Intensify a swimming pool workout by grabbing some water weights and trying out some water exercises!
Use a kickboard or just the side of the pool to do some quick kicks or slow leg swings to strengthen and stretch the legs without the impact of moving on the ground.
If your loved one is working with limited hip mobility, suggest that he or she focus on the upper body instead by doing arm exercises like circles or curls while standing on the pool floor or treading water!
Keeping your loved ones healthy and independent is our top priority at Executive Care of Toms River. Visit us online to learn more about our services!
