Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors: Easy and Simple Ways to Keep Fit at Old Age

Low-impact exercises for seniors are the best way to keep one’s body moving and active.

Age-related physical changes in our bodies can make exercising more challenging and even harmful. Our muscles deteriorate, our bones grow more brittle, and our joints lose their flexibility. Yet that doesn't imply that we should stop exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.

It is advised that in order to maintain our physical health, we engage in at least 150 minutes of brisk activity each week. Low-impact exercises for seniors can be very healthy for older people as well as those who are new to exercise.

At least one foot must always be on the ground during a low-impact workout, and these activities are usually less taxing on the body. They're a fantastic technique to increase circulation and lower the risk of injury.

Best Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors

1) Water aerobics

Activities performed in the water are great exercises for seniors who want to defy gravity and exercise. You can move generally painful or tight joints more readily since the water generates a free-flow mobility capability.

Usually, swimming lessons or water aerobics sessions are held at the neighborhood YMCA or swim facility. These classes offer the chance to converse with like-minded people while moving at your pace and require almost no prior physical activity experience.

2) Walking with friends

It can get boring and perhaps intimidating to walk alone. Thus, it's okay if you don't like going to gyms or joining clubs. Plan daily or weekly walking groups in cooperation with a select group of reliable pals.

Low impact exercises help them remain active and not get strained. (Image via Pexels/ Mikhail Nilov)

You may get the most out of your exercise by taking regular walks while maintaining meaningful adult relationships. As a senior, don't underestimate the benefits of this straightforward, low-impact activity.

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3) Tai chi

Seniors searching for straightforward, low-impact activities can consider the lesser-known choice of tai chi. It can help you with your profound balance abilities and boost your general flexibility.

Stumbling and falling happen more frequently as we get older. Yet, regular practice of tai chi can assist in easing these concerns and recovering both mental and physical health.

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4) Chair yoga

Chair yoga, like water aerobics, is a low-impact exercise that enhances muscle strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility—all essential elements of senior health. A more accessible style of yoga than more traditional ones, chair yoga puts less strain on the muscles, joints, and bones.

Moreover, chair yoga has been demonstrated to enhance older people's mental health. Frequent chair yoga practitioners report better sleep, fewer cases of depression, and an overall feeling of well-being.

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5) Resistance band workouts

Rubber strips that are elastic and give resistance to exercise while putting less strain on your body. Exercises with resistance bands are simple to use and suitable for beginners as well as seniors.

Exercises for seniors are necessary to keep their body active. (Image via Pexels/ T Leish)

Resistance band workouts are perfect for at-home training because the materials are very inexpensive upfront, which is why this kind of exercise is becoming more and more popular among seniors. These exercises are also excellent for strengthening your core, which enhances balance, mobility, and posture.

But, depending on your needs, fitness levels, and physical condition, you can change the percentage of the aforementioned exercises for seniors in your weekly regimen to fit your needs.