The air is getting warmer and the sun is shining! Which means it’s time
for everyone, especially seniors, to get outside, get a good workout in and
have some fun in the process. You may be wondering, why should seniors
especially get outside to workout? Well, for one, seniors who stay active
preserve their mobility for longer, have less dementia-related sleep problems
and are just happier in general! Seniors who choose to exercise outside gain
another benefit: healthy and direct exposure to Vitamin D. So, what’s the hold
up? It’s time to engage in a fun, outdoor workout. Not sure where to start?
Our assisted
living team in Gloucester County has put together a list of their favorite
exercise programs for seniors.
Safety note: Please apply
sunscreen generously when spending extended periods of time outdoors. Also,
please consult with your primary care physician or professional fitness trainer
before performing any new strenuous exercises that might do more harm than
good.
#1 – Walk
outdoors. Perhaps the easiest option on this list is to take a daily
walk outside. Did you know that a short 30-minute walk can burn up to 300
calories? That’s reason enough to set time aside everyday for a walk. Not to
mention, it’s a great opportunity to have a friend tag along to catch up. If no
one is around, grab a pair of headphones and listen to your favorite playlist
on repeat. Or if you really want to switch it up, choose a new location to take
your walk each day like a local park or a lively cul-de sac nearby.
#2 – Play a game
outside with the grandkids. Nothing says “fun” like spending quality
time with grandkids – and of course, games! Playing a quick game of catch will
work out muscles you’ve forgotten about and stimulate hand-eye coordination.
Now that’s a game nobody could lose.
#3 – Outdoor chair
yoga. Bring a light, but stable chair outside and say “namaste” to a new, fun
way to do yoga. If you or a loved one reside in an assisted living community,
make sure to inquire about moving fitness classes like chair yoga outside when
the weather is fine. Or if you’d rather do yoga alone, visit our blog to learn some new yoga poses to try
out.
#4 – Gardening
outside. Carrying the hose and moving around the garden to water each plant is a
workout in itself. An added bonus: choosing to grow fresh fruits and vegetables
will help you to eat healthier too! If your thumb is not quite “green,” visit
our blog that outlines beginner
gardening tips for seniors.
#5 – Bring your
workout weights outside. Working out inside in the same room or home gym
could get a little stale after a while. So, here’s a better solution: take your
weights outside to do some strength training. It’s amazing what a change of
scenery could do to improve your enjoyment while getting fit!
Exercising safely at UMC in Pitman, NJ
At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, we offer every assisted living
resident opportunities to exercise safely. With industry-leading COVID-19
protocols in effect, there’s no reason why we can’t hold fun fitness classes
with our senior residents!
Some of our favorite fitness classes include dance, traditional yoga and
chair yoga. We understand that everyone has different exercise goals and that
they need to find what routine works best for them. That’s why we make an
active effort to offer multiple programs and support each resident’s fitness
level to the fullest at our assisted living community.
For more information about senior exercise classes in Pitman, New Jersey,
please contact UMC at Pitman today or visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/
Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/05/17/5-fun-outdoor-workouts-for-seniors/
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