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Indoor walking exercises are a valuable tool to boost your cardiovascular system, improve coordination, and easily exercise from anywhere. Walking indoors for seniors can be especially beneficial due to its simplicity and versatility.
Mr. Treadmill reports that the average human walks over 216 million steps in their lifetime. Even for seniors in Bradenton, FL, it is crucial to walk regularly to maintain mental and physical health.
In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of walking indoors for seniors and tips for safely walking indoors. Let's dive in.
Benefits of Walking Indoors for Seniors
Walking indoors is a type of workout that is uniquely suited for seniors. Seniors in memory care who have limited mobility options can still complete workouts with relative ease, while prioritizing their physical health.
Seniors on a fixed income can benefit from the fact that walking workouts are often free or come with very low associated costs. The minimum items you will need are a screen to follow along and a good pair of walking shoes. That's it.
Walking workouts are also conducive to seniors with limited space. Many exercises involve marching in one location, which means you do not need to have access to an extensive space to complete your daily exercise routine.
Walking Safely Indoors
Even though walking indoors is safer than many other types of workouts, you must still take precautions. Here are some ways that you can feel confident and secure while doing indoor walking workouts.
Always Have Footwear
It may seem tempting to exercise barefoot when indoors, but the right shoes are essential for maintaining form and providing adequate support for your body. Additionally, wearing only socks can cause slips and falls, which may lead to serious injuries.
For those with a history of foot problems, you should consult a podiatrist or a shoe specialist to determine the right model for your needs. You may require special features to enable you to exercise safely.
Keep Mobility Aids Near
Even if you feel confident to work out without your mobility aids, keep them on standby so you can access them if needed. If you feel yourself starting to fall, a mobility aid may be the difference between slight discomfort and a devastating injury.
If you do not currently use mobility aids, try to complete your walking workout next to a piece of furniture that you can grab onto in case of sudden balance problems.
Some low-impact workouts, such as chair yoga and barre, factor in mobility aids so seniors can have better balance and complete the poses more easily.
Don't Push Yourself Too Hard
While challenging yourself during your workouts can often yield better results, it is important to recognize your body's limits. For instance, an increased heart rate and light sweating often signal that you are getting a good aerobic workout, but symptoms like dizziness and trouble breathing could indicate problems on the horizon.
For workouts, it is better to start simple and work your way up to more difficult exercises than to push yourself too much at the beginning and spend a long time recovering.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining a functioning body that can support you while you exercise. As you work out, your body loses water due to sweating, so you may need to drink more water than usual.
Keep a water bottle within easy reach. If you have trouble drinking water, consider adding flavored electrolyte powder to entice you to sip more frequently.
Take Breaks When Needed
Rather than quitting a workout completely, step away for a few minutes and take a breather. Sit down, drink some water, and allow your breathing and heart rate to return to normal levels before resuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Exercise as a Senior?
The CDC recommends that seniors exercise at least 150 minutes every week.However, this recommendation can change depending on factors such as your age and preexisting medical conditions.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you plan on beginning a new exercise regimen, even if it is a low-impact activity such as walking indoors. Your doctor may be able to give you helpful tips or advice so you can exercise safely and avoid the risk of injury or falls.
A good rule of thumb is to try to move your body every day, even if it means simply stepping outside of your assisted living community or doing a few simple exercises for mobility and balance support.
If you do not know how often to work out, consider working with a personal trainer. They can show you simple workouts and put together a workout plan that is both challenging and achievable.
What Are Other Low-Impact Exercises?
While walking indoors provides numerous advantages, you should also exercise other muscle groups and body functions. Consider adding a variety of low-impact exercises to your rotation, such as:
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- "Spinning," or riding an exercise bike
- Elliptical machine
- Stretching
- Barre
- Zumba
What Are the Benefits of Indoor vs. Outdoor Exercises?
Both indoor and outdoor exercises present benefits, which is why it may be advantageous for you to alter your workouts. For instance, indoor exercise is more versatile, and you can complete your workout regardless of conditions such as weather and temperature.
However, exercising outdoors can provide much-needed fresh air and vitamin D exposure. It can also offer more versatile workouts, such as exploring local hiking trails and parks.
Try These Indoor Walking Exercises
Indoor walking exercises can be a valuable part of any senior workout regimen. By maintaining mobility and cardiovascular health, you can remain healthy and strong to fully enjoy your golden years.
Experience all that premier retirement living has to offer at Discovery Commons at Bradenton. Exclusive amenities, such as chef-prepared meals, concierge services, and a rotating selection of activities and events, mean that you can enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle.
Would you like to learn more about assisted living fitness and memory care wellness? Contact us today to learn more about our beautiful community in Bradenton, FL, or visit us to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!
