Yoga involves moving through a series of poses while controlling your breathing. In addition to raising your heart rate, it helps improve muscle strength and joint flexibility. Many people find yoga a great way to relax and ease stress as well. To get started, you can sign up for a yoga class in your area or check out yoga videos for beginners on the internet.
Spinning or riding a stationary bike can get your heart pumping and your legs moving. Although it burns body fat for weight control, stationary cycling is a low-impact workout that can be tailored to your fitness level. You can pedal on your own or sign up for an in-person or online class.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seniors do balance exercises on a regular basis to reduce the risk of falls. Walking heel to toe and slowly rising from sitting to standing repeatedly are two simple options you can do right in your living room.
Mobility and balance issues don’t have to stop you from moving. Chair aerobics makes it possible to work out your arms, legs and core while seated. Oklahoma State University offers a great guide to chair aerobics that shares some beginner moves to get you started.
Walking is one of the easiest exercises for seniors, and it’s possible to complete a great walking workout indoors. Many shopping malls across the country open their doors early for people who want to get their steps in. In the Ellisville, MO, area, West County Center unlocks an hour before stores open, giving you a chance to do some laps.
Racket sports are great exercise while also providing opportunities to make friends and enjoy friendly competition. Pickleball and racquetball are two examples of racket sports that are fun to play indoors, and you can sign up for lessons or join a league through Vetta Sports, which has several locations in the Ellisville area.
With an exercise mat on hand, you can do a number of exercises at home. Leg raises and crunches are two classic moves, but there are dozens of others. To get started, search for exercises for seniors on YouTube. Check out a few videos and then choose one to try.
Dancing lifts your spirits while also giving you an opportunity to move. You can turn on your favorite songs and dance in the privacy of your home or sign up for lessons at an Ellisville area studio like Just Dancing or CKDC.
While the golf course may be snowy, you can still practice your swing and work out the muscles in your shoulders, arms, back, core, hips and legs throughout the cold weather months. Set up a tee and practice without a ball at home, or head to X-Golf in Ellisville and try out their golf simulator, which makes you feel as if you’re on the fairways.
With a simple pair of dumbbells, you can build muscle mass and promote stronger bones. Start slowly with just a few reps and then gradually increase the number you do as your strength develops. While you can learn to lift at home, you may want to have a personal trainer show you the ropes. Most gyms in the Ellisville area and the Wildwood Family YMCA in nearby Wildwood offer this service.
If you’re new to exercise, follow these tips for the best results.
No matter how you’re moving, it’s important that you wear the right clothing and accessories. Apparel with some stretchy spandex or elastane is a good choice because it will give you more freedom to move, and breathable fabrics like mesh can help you stay cool. Slip on socks to protect your feet from blisters, and wear athletic shoes designed for your activity to get the right amount of traction and support.
Many people find it easier to stay motivated when they exercise with a friend or a group. Having a workout buddy is also a good idea from a safety perspective, especially during the first few times you try a new activity.
Before beginning any new workout program for the first time, consult your health care provider. They can help you decide whether a particular activity is a good choice for you and give you tips on how to make the most of your indoor exercise routine.
