Not only does regular exercise keep you fit and healthy, but also it helps you maintain your independence as you get older. However, getting to the gym can be a challenge, especially for seniors without access to a vehicle or those with mobility issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to exercise at home with a few handy pieces of equipment. Ready to upgrade your home fitness routine? We’ve rounded up the best exercise equipment for seniors.
Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors
You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of exercise time and time again. But these benefits are especially important for seniors. Consistent exercise has been proven to slow age-related conditions like osteoporosis, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Exercise even has proven benefits for seniors who have been diagnosed with memory conditions. Overall, the benefits of exercise for seniors are too powerful to ignore.
Yoga Mat
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. A yoga mat is a great tool to keep on hand, as it lends itself well to low-impact exercises like stretching, pilates, and yoga. All of these exercise options can help increase your muscle tone and improve your balance to reduce falls. Best of all, yoga mats are extremely affordable and available at common stores like Walmart and Target.
Home Dumbbell Sets
Dumbbells are another extremely flexible and affordable piece of exercise equipment for seniors to keep around. You can use dumbbells for a variety of exercises, including light weightlifting (which can help you increase your bone density, manage chronic pain, and lose excess weight, according to the Mayo Clinic). When in doubt, opt for neoprene weights, which are easier to grip than their metal counterparts.
Resistance Bands
If you’re not quite ready to purchase dumbbells, resistance bands are another great strength training tool. Resistance bands are affordable and take up very little space, allowing you to enhance your balance and flexibility with ease. Resistance bands are also an excellent tool for seniors with mobility issues who may not want to manage larger sets of hand weights.
Low-Impact Cardio Equipment
If you’re looking to take your cardio exercise to the next level, consider purchasing a piece of low-impact cardio equipment for your home. For example, treadmills are an ideal option for seniors who would like to escape the elements and walk or jog indoors. Or you might like an elliptical trainer. The elliptical offers the benefits of running and walking without the additional impact, making it a good choice for individuals with joint concerns. Overall, low-impact cardio equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines can help you torch calories, improve your balance, and maintain your independence.
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Getting to the gym can be a hassle, especially for seniors with mobility issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of at-home workouts you can tackle. To ensure you never have an excuse to miss a workout, equip your home with the best exercise equipment for seniors. The best part? Many of the exercises that use these pieces of equipment can be accomplished while watching your favorite TV shows!
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.