Unique Workouts To Try In 2024
The new year is approaching, making it the perfect time to get your physical activity regime in order. If you want to spice up your fitness routine in the new year or want to start one, consider these four unique and senior-friendly workouts to try in 2024.
Why Exercise Is Essential For Seniors
Regular physical activity is one of the best things seniors can do for their health. Incorporating a mix of moderate-intensity workouts into your routine can significantly strengthen muscles, improve balance, increase mobility, and decrease the risk of various health concerns such as heart disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seniors 65 and older aim to incorporate 150 minutes of moderate exercise and 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. The CDC defines moderate and vigorous activity using a 10-point scale. Moderate exercise is a five or six on the scale. It should increase your heart rate and make breathing challenging, but you should still be able to converse, such as taking a brisk walk. Vigorous exercise would be a seven or eight on the scale. Your heart rate is significantly higher, and you should not be able to talk during the workout.
Unique Workouts For Seniors To Try
Understanding moderate and vigorous exercise is great, but what workouts should you try to increase your heart rate, improve your cardio, build strength, and maintain mobility while remaining safe for seniors?
Boxing
Cardio boxing can be challenging at first. However, as long as you work with a reputable boxing coach and use the proper gear, boxing is an excellent moderate and vigorous exercise choice for seniors.
Cardio boxing is a non contact boxing workout (you will not hit anyone or get hit). Participants wear protective hand wraps and gloves to keep joints in the wrists and hands safe and learn different boxing combos on a heavy bag. If boxing on the bag causes discomfort, participants can shadowbox, which is when they go through the motions of the cardio boxing class without physically touching the heavy bag.
Cycling
Cycling is another excellent option that can be moderate or vigorous, depending on your workout. Seniors often enjoy cycling because it’s a low-impact activity, meaning the joints have little to no stress. Cycling is a great cardio exercise that improves lower body strength and mobility. It also works your balance, keeping yourself steady on your bike.
If you’re comfortable riding a bike outdoors, you can ride around your neighborhood or through a park. If on-road riding is not your thing, consider signing up for a gym membership and using their stationary bikes. You can also download an on-demand cycling app for online workouts.
Zumba
If you want a workout that feels more like a party than an actual workout, you must try Zumba! Zumba is a dance workout that gets participants moving with Latin-inspired music and moves.
You don’t need any dance experience for Zumba, and they even have a senior-friendly program called Zumba Gold that’s specifically for older adults looking to improve strength and mobility. You can find live Zumba classes online or try one of their on-demand sessions.
Improving Your Physical Health With Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels is dedicated to helping seniors live independently, and part of independent living is being physically healthy. Many of our caregivers help clients improve their physical health by assisting them in researching and signing up for fitness classes, providing transportation to a gym, or even accompanying clients during a workout.
In addition to motivating clients to exercise, caregivers perform various at-home care services to help clients live safely and independently. These include nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and meal preparations.
Our Cullman office works with seniors and families throughout Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Marshall, and Blount Counties. To learn more about our at-home care services, message us. We would love the opportunity to talk with you!