Exercise for Seniors Over 75 That Doesn't Feel Like Exercise at All
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Beginning a regimen of exercise for seniors over 75 can be a lot more fun than you might think. Instead of intensive workouts that lead to overexertion, you can enjoy activities like dancing, swimming, gardening, and even gaming.
These are all activities that get you moving and exercising, so you won't become one of the 85% of seniors who aren't active enough. The best part is that none of these activities feels like a traditional workout, leading to better motivation and continued practice.
Listed below are the top ways to get plenty of playful senior exercise in Concord, NC, situated about ten miles from Mt. Pleasant.
Dancing
Moving your body to music is one of the best ways to become more active during retirement. You can take it slow and work your way up to a faster tempo or turn on your favorite song and let loose.
It's fun and interactive, which means you never quite realize that you're completing a gentle workout at the same time. It's a stress-relieving activity that uses your body as natural resistance training.
Whether you jam to the music with random movements or you tango with a partner, all dancing is good for your physical and mental health.
Swimming
Whenever you have access to a pool with a lifeguard, make sure to take advantage of this enjoyable exercise activity. Splashing around in water is low-impact to help prevent joint pain, and it's a lot of fun.
Some seniors love to participate in friendly competitions when they swim. Timing each other during laps or tossing a ball back and forth can be both relaxing and exciting at the same time.
Since you'll stay buoyant throughout your swimming adventure, you'll have less trouble with muscle and joint soreness. That makes it easier for seniors to dive into longer exercise sessions without realizing they're exercising at all.
Virtual Gaming
Gaming is often seen as a thing meant for children, but that's a stigma many senior communities try to prove untrue. Fitness through fun is easy when you use the technology of virtual gaming.
Wii Bowling, for instance, is a favorite for many seniors because they get the excitement of a beloved sport without any difficulty. They no longer need to worry about slipping on the smooth floorboards or having trouble lifting the heavy bowling balls.
Instead, they get to interact with friends in a thrilling game of bowling in a way that suits them. Using the controller to roll the ball into the pins will feel like second nature after your first game.
Gardening
Do you love cultivating plants into beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables? Then you're already giving yourself a rewarding kind of exercise you can't quite replicate any other way.
The sense of fulfillment you get while caring for a delicate plant can make it easier for seniors to push through energy lows and head to their plots. You'll get some sunlight and gentle exercise while ensuring your beloved plants grow into their best selves.
Worried about losing motivation during the winter? Plant a sprout or two in some indoor pots so you can keep gardening even when it's cold outside.
Yoga
When it comes to gentle movement for aging adults, nothing quite beats the benefits of doing yoga. Not only do you move your body in slow and controlled ways, but you also boost your mental health when you regularly perform yoga, with benefits like:
- Stress relief
- Finding inner calm
- Muscle relaxation
- Emotional expression
When you first start, it's often a good idea to use a video or in-person instructor, so you ensure proper form.
After you have a good handle of how to move your body safely, you can do yoga even from the comfort of your senior apartments. This makes it an easy exercise activity you can slip into your schedule whenever it suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Signs of Overexercising?
Even low-impact routines over 75 that provide you with a lot of enjoyment can lead to overexercising. If you ignore these signs, you could end up with an injury that requires rest and a break from exercising:
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle soreness that won't go away
- Tense muscles
- Trouble sleeping
- Physical weakness
- Higher stress levels
As soon as you notice any of these signs, it's time to re-evaluate your exercise regimen. Include more water breaks and lower the time spent doing those activities so your body can keep up with your enthusiasm.
How Can I Build Muscle After Age 75?
By becoming more active, you'll begin building muscle mass, no matter your age. Lifting weights may provide quicker results, but activity without intensity can be even better for seniors.
Our list of activities helps you build muscle with low-impact movements so your risk of injury or overexertion is far lower.
What Are the Only 5 Exercises You'll Ever Need?
The following 5 types of movement categories are ideal for those looking for better fitness:
- Pushing things away from you
- Pulling things towards you
- Bending at the knee
- Bending at the waist
- Tightening your core
If you do activities that touch upon each of these categories, then you can feel reassured that you're providing your body with a well-balanced exercise regimen. As you do your favorite activities, try to think about the type of movements you're doing and make sure to add variety for a more expansive workout.
Participate in Exciting Exercise for Seniors Over 75 With Morningside
With all of these options available, it's easy to see that exercise for seniors over 75 doesn't have to be boring or overly intense to be effective. The key is to find a support system that'll boost your motivation to be active every day.
Looking for a senior community that'll help you achieve your exercise goals in new and engaging ways? Join Morningside of Concord and participate in our full calendar of exciting activities, events, and group workouts. By playing community games, you can reach a better fitness level than you thought possible!
Get started by contacting us today, and we can help you begin the process to join our Concord senior community!