Why Low Impact Exercise Offers Massive Benefits for Seniors

Just because an exercise is low impact doesn’t mean it loses effectiveness. Seniors can tone their muscles and keep them for longer by doing low-impact workouts. If you and your senior are unfamiliar with working out, it can seem impossible to find low-impact exercises that work and that your loved one wants to do. Some seniors grew up as young adults who worked out intensely, and they are surprised when they can no longer do those challenging workouts; that doesn’t mean they should give up moving or running around; it just means they need to find workouts that are easier on the body. There are so many reasons why low-impact workouts benefit your loved one – here are just a few and how home care can help!

They Are Safer Than High Impact Exercises

Low impact is often safer for your loved one to do alone. However, it also depends on their skill level. They may want to go to the gym with a home care provider or take it a step further and get a physical therapist or pay a professional trainer who has experience with elderly people. Your loved one should aim to do three or four small workouts a week in a safe environment. This may be at home, a walk around the neighborhood, a gym, or a physical therapist’s office. Sometimes a local senior center may offer low-impact workouts like yoga, tai chi, or water aerobics, which will all be safe and have significant health benefits.

Low Impact Does Not Mean Short

Some people hear the term low impact and assume that it’s going to be a super short workout, and that’s not always the case. Seniors should always listen to their bodies and focus on what feels good, not what they think they should do. Many low-impact classes can range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. However, home care can also encourage a senior to take short 15-minute walks throughout the day because these short bursts of movement will add up and can still be safe for your loved one to do every day. It’s time to focus on what your loved one wants to do every day.

Exercising Can Help A Senior Stay Connected

One of the best ways to stay connected in the community is to get out into the community. This is something that low-impact exercises offer because often, a senior will join a class and meet new people who already share at least one interest. So, it allows them to move around, build and maintain muscle, and stay connected with their friends. Being social is something that is often overlooked for seniors but is so crucial.

Low Impact Can Boost Quality of Life

No one likes to be sore, and being sore too often can lead to problems and an unhappy senior. Finding the right low-impact exercise can make a senior feel good, keep them entertained, and for these reasons, can boost their quality of life. Getting the right quality care and finding the right motivation to move around is crucial for a senior to age in place.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Brooklyn, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 212-201-6139