Keeping fit is an important part of boosting overall health. However, older adults with joint pain and/or mobility limitations can find it hard to perform exercises that are too intense. When that’s the case, it’s time to consider chair exercises, which can reap just as many benefits.
Are Chair Exercises the Best Choice?
Many types of exercises put a strain on the joints, which can become unbearable when coupled with arthritis or any other musculoskeletal condition. You may find yourself experiencing pain and even suffering from injuries when you persist in these unsuitable exercises nonetheless.
Fortunately, there are chair exercises you can try out that will allow you to get in a regular dose of exercise without putting you at risk.
Benefits of Chair Exercises
If you used to walk or even run long distances, you may be wondering exactly what chair exercises can do for you. The answer is: Absolutely anything you want it to! There are chair exercises to work out your legs, your core, and even your arms!
Below is a list of benefits you can gain from doing chair exercises:
- Increase your range of motion and with that, your flexibility
- Allow you to exercise without overexerting or injuring yourself
- Strengthen your muscles and sense of balance
- Improve your blood circulation
- … and lots more!
Try Out These Chair Exercises
Below are some chair exercises you can try out from home:
- Chair Running
Find a chair with arms and sit with your legs extended and your arms by your side. With your shoulder blades against the back of the chair, gently pull one knee towards your chest while the other remains extended. Switch over, and you will find that this movement mimics the motion of running!
- Shoulder Circles
While seated, place your fingers on your shoulders with your arms towards both sides. At your own pace, make a circular motion with your shoulders, first forwards then backward. Continue for 15 repetitions in each direction.
- Knee Lifts
With your feet flat on the floor, slowly lift one knee to your chest then put it back down. Now, do the same with the other knee. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg before taking a break.
- Seated Tap Dance
Make sure your feet are resting in a tiptoe position on the floor, and start by extending one leg and tapping your heel on the floor. Flex your foot, tap it once more and return your leg to its original position, now repeating the same movement with the other foot. Keep this up for 3 to 5 minutes!
Come to Discovery Village At Tampa Palms for Bespoke Health & Wellness Programs
While aging in place, it can be hard to access the fitness services and amenities you need. Whether you lack the motivation to work out or the expertise to decide on the most suitable type of exercises for your abilities, our retirement community can solve both these problems for you. With a senior-equipped fitness center and personalized instruction available onsite, it’s easy for our residents to keep fit and active!
