Exercise for older adults is imperative but when a senior is dealing with limited mobility issues getting active can be a very difficult proposition. But a Superior Senior Care Provider can help elderly adults get the exercise and activity they need for so they may stay fit and healthy, both physically and mentally.
So for those seniors who are dealing with mobility challenges, here are five exercise tips that you and your caregiver should keep in mind.
1. Safe and Slow
Before you begin any workout regimen, it’s important that you take it easy and always speak with your doctor ahead of time. Staying safe is a top priority and you must always listen to and be in touch with your mind and body. Don’t overexert yourself as that could result in injury. So if you feel dizzy or nauseous or you are having pain of any kind, stop immediately.
2. Stay Hydrated
This can’t be stated enough, if you are planning to workout in any capacity you must remember to drink plenty of water. Do so before you start to exercise, during your workout, and even more important, after you are finished working out. When you drink enough water it helps your body and all of the internal organs to work properly.
3. Water Workouts
Now that you’ve filled your water bottle and you’re hydrated, you can get in the water to do the exercises necessary to receive the health benefits of routine activity. Doing these exercises in the water helps to relieve pressure on the muscles and joints and working out in a pool can alleviate the stress on seniors who don’t have the mobility they once were used to.
4. Seated Workouts
Some seniors may not be able to stand up having been confined to a wheelchair. The good news is that you can still get plenty of exercise from a seated position. In fact, there is a multitude of activities in which to engage all while sitting down. There are many different stretching exercises along with cardiovascular activities and strength training that can all be done without standing up.
5. Strength Training
Performing exercises to strengthen your muscles and bones can be done using any number of accessories such as resistance bands or weights. But be careful working with these items, weights in particular, because you can overdo it or drop the weight and possibly hurt yourself or others. When you work with these things be sure to have someone spot you in the event you run into trouble of any kind.
Working with resistance bands can be done in a seated position if need be and they are ideal for helping you improve your strength in the upper and lower body. Working with weights should be done slowly and gradually, start with very light weight around a pound or two and then work your way up as you feel more comfortable lifting heavier weight.
As always, be sure you stop the minute you experience pain or any dizziness. Don’t overdo it and be sure to go slow when you are doing strength training.
