Assisted Living in Lafayette, IN: Senior Exercise Options for Healthier Lifestyles
The verdict is in: Older adults don't like exercise. As you age, many different factors can affect how often and the method that you use to get your physical activity.
If you plan on moving into assisted living, you may be wondering how you can continue your exercise regimen. Or, you might find your newfound stability allows you to explore senior exercises that you've never tried before.
Have you ever wondered how exercise contributes to healthy senior living? Read on to learn about some of your many options in assisted living in Lafayette, IN.
Why Is Exercise Important for Seniors?
As you age, it is more vital than ever to keep your body moving. When you retire, you may find yourself lacking in socialization and exercising less.
Senior exercises can often be modified for an aging population. Whether they're cardio classes tailored for seniors or modified activities, you should still strive to exercise several times a week.
Group Walking and Hiking
You may have seen groups of seniors walking around your local mall and wondered about the value. There are many benefits to both walking and doing it in groups.
Having a regular walking group is something to look forward to. You'll have dedicated days and times that you can spend with people of similar opinions and interests.
Although there are many assisted living activities that you can participate in when you're on the premises, you can also use walking to get out of the house. Places like malls offer fewer crowds during the weekdays and endless shopping and dining options.
To kick it up a notch, try upgrading from regular walks to hikes. Contrary to popular belief, hikes don't have to be challenging to reap the benefits. You can enjoy an easy hike, connect with nature, and socialize with your friends.
If you can't find people in your community who enjoy walking and hiking, try a Facebook group or an online forum. You may be surprised how many other seniors are looking for others who share their passions.
Yoga
Yoga is a fantastic exercise option for seniors because it is gentle and low-impact. High-impact activities can put unnecessary strain on muscles and bones. For seniors with lower bone density, one fall can spell disaster.
You can do yoga with an instructor, as a group activity, or by yourself. There are many guided videos online that are free to access.
Yoga is great for introverts who may want to find peace and quiet during exercise. The breathing techniques and positions in yoga are all designed to foster harmony within your body's muscle groups.
One of the biggest perks of yoga is that it can be done anywhere. Roll out your yoga mat in a local park or even in your living room.
As you progress through your yoga practice, you may find yourself taking on more challenging poses and longer sessions.
Weight Training
Contrary to popular belief, weight training can be very beneficial for seniors. If you have room for weight training in your regimen and access to the right equipment, it can be a powerful tool in your arsenal to combat the effects of aging.
It's important to have safety measures in place when you weight train. When possible, exercise with a buddy who can spot you when you do heavy lifts.
Make sure to meet with your physician or physical therapist before you pursue any weight training. You should start small and work your way up to avoid serious injury. Take rest days when needed to let your muscles relax.
Spinning
Spinning, or static cycling, has become more and more popular over the years. It's a great way to get in an intense cardio workout, without having to move.
Pelaton is a big player in the spinning industry. Its bikes come with a feature where you can ride along with trainers to motivate you during your workout. Choose from prerecorded or live sessions with your favorite instructors.
For a cheaper version of this training, you can buy your own stationary bike and follow workouts on sites like YouTube.
Like yoga, you can do spinning in a group class or by yourself. Depending on your senior health needs, it may benefit you more to do a group class.
Dance and Zumba
Dance and Zumba are some of the best assisted living activities because they encourage:
- Fun
- Socialization
- Movement
Both of these activities are similar in their movement styles. They allow expression through choreographed movement.
While dance may be difficult for some seniors, Zumba is more friendly for all body types and skill levels. Zumba involves more repetitive movements, while dancers usually learn a combination throughout the class.
Elliptical Machine
Another low-impact option for retirement homes is the elliptical machine. This is a great way to get cardio, without straining your muscles too much.
Unlike running or biking, an elliptical machine keeps your feet on the ground and moves them in fluid, elliptical motions. Many machines also come with handles as well, where you can place your arms to help get a full-body workout.
Stretching
Stretching is essential for maintaining your muscles and joints into your golden years. You can stretch as an isolated exercise, but it's also important to stretch before and after your workouts.
It is important to only stretch as much as your body can handle. Don't overdo it; otherwise, you may pull a muscle and be out of commission for weeks or even months.
Exercise for Assisted Living in Lafayette, IN
If you're looking for assisted living in Lafayette, IN that can provide you with a healthy and active lifestyle, search no further. At Digby Place, we pride ourselves on keeping our residents healthy and happy.
We provide our residents with a sense of independence while taking care of all of their needs. They can enjoy their golden years in the best retirement community in Layfayette.
Ready to transform your life for the better? Reach out to us today to schedule a tour at Digby Place.