Exercise For Seniors

Exercise is as important for seniors as it is for any other age group, if not more so. Staying fit means body and mind stay more agile longer, a key component in maintaining optimal health and independence for as long as possible. The National Institute of Health recommends 4 different categories of exercises for seniors: strength, stretching, endurance, and balance exercises.

Strength exercises for seniors help to build muscle, which increases metabolism. During strength exercises, seniors should take care not to hold their breath - this can negatively affect blood pressure. When using weights, use smooth and steady movements, and avoid thrusting or jerking motions. Avoid strain when you're lifting weights with your arms or legs by breathing out as you lift or push a weight, and breathing in as you release. Remember that some soreness after strength building exercises is completely normal, while exhaustion, sore joints, or a painful muscle pull are not normal and may require a visit to your physician.



Stretching exercises will help your body to be more flexible during your everyday activities. Stiff muscles and joints are more likely to become injured, so regularly stretch your muscles to help them stay soft and pliable. Do tricep stretches to lengthen the muscles at the back of the arm, and hip rotations to stretch the outer muscles of your hips and thighs. Stretch after you've been walking or do some gentle arm pumps to warm up the body. Slowly stretch into your desired position, going as far as you can without experiencing any pain. Hold each stretch for anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds.



Endurance exercises are classified as any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time.



Cardio exercises will improve your heart health and your metabolism. Find activities that you enjoy doing, but walking and swimming are great sources of low-impact cardiovascular exercise. Start with shorter spurts of exercise and increase the interval over time as your endurance improves. Set an eventual goal of 30 minutes of cardio per day; breaking it up into three 10 minute intervals is fine too.



Balance exercises help to build the leg muscles, which in turn prevents the likelihood of a dangerous fall. U.S. hospitals have 300,000 patients admitted each year for broken hips, with falls often being the cause of these injuries. Try these balance exercises that you can do anytime, anywhere: standing up and sitting down without using your hands, walking heel-to-toe, and standing on one foot, periodically alternating your feet. A note of caution: make sure you have someone spot you if you're unstable.