Moving Through May: Senior Fitness for an Active Summer

Brittney Pierce
May 12
2 min read

As summer approaches, most people are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather and all its active opportunities. However, after being sedentary during the winter months, many seniors may need to adjust their fitness routines to meet the challenge of this increased activity level.

Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to incorporate senior-friendly strategies into your daily routine. These steps can boost strength, balance and endurance so you’ll be ready to enjoy summer’s active lifestyle.

Low-Impact Exercise Ideas for Senior Fitness

Low-impact exercises are an excellent way for older adults to increase their activity level while minimizing the risk of injury. Let’s take a look at some exercise options that seniors might want to try this spring.

Walking: This is one of the simplest and best low-impact exercises for seniors. It’s easy to do, requires no special equipment, and can be done outdoors or indoors. Walking can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and enhance mood.
Water aerobics: Water exercises are incredibly effective for seniors because the buoyancy of the water reduces strain on joints and muscles. Swimming laps or participating in water aerobics can enhance flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Chair yoga: Another great option for seniors who may have limited mobility or prefer exercises with added stability is chair yoga. This gentle form of yoga uses a chair for support, allowing participants to perform stretches, breathing exercises, and poses that promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Chair yoga can be done at any fitness level, making it accessible to a wide range of abilities.
Tai chi: This mind-body form of fitness involves slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It’s known for its ability to improve balance, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Because it’s low impact, it’s an excellent choice for seniors who may be recovering from injury or those who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Resistance bands: Staying strong is essential at any age, but especially as we grow older. Resistance bands are a low-impact way to improve muscle strength without the need for heavy weights. Strength training exercises with resistance bands can be tailored to suit different levels of ability and can help seniors build muscle mass, improve bone density, and enhance balance.