Exercise has many benefits for seniors. It can help to prevent osteoporosis and reduce arthritis pain. It can delay heart disease; help diabetes; and improve your balance, which prevents falls. It can also improve your mood. If you don't enjoy exercise, thinking of it in a new way can help. Instead of going to a gym with machines or using a treadmill, incorporate activities that you already enjoy into an active life.
Walking
Walking is an endurance exercise that will help with your cardiovascular health and balance. If you don't enjoy walking alone, joining a walking group might help. Such groups often meet in shopping malls to walk laps and chat, finishing up with a coffee break. If you enjoy nature or photography, try to incorporate a walk into a trip to do something you enjoy. Even taking grandchildren to the park can be part of your exercise routine.
Gardening
Gardening can incorporate standing, walking, lifting, turning and bending. It can provide you with some enjoyable all-round exercise while you do something constructive. Bending and stretching are good for your balance and flexibility and will make other everyday tasks feel easier. If you enjoy your garden, planting, weeding and raking leaves can add to the activity of your day.
Dancing
If you like to dance, you will always have a number of exercise options at your disposal. From ballroom to line dancing, most forms of dance give you plenty of cardiovascular exercise while helping with flexibility and balance. If you can't dance but think you might enjoy it, try taking one or two classes.
Water
Swimming can help your overall fitness and strengthen your muscles, or try a water exercise class at your local pool. If you hate to exercise because of arthritis pain, the water takes weight from your joints and reduces stress on your body, helping to ease your pain. The water also provides extra resistance for your exercises, which is effective for strengthening your muscles.
Classes
Yoga and tai chi are systems of movement that develop balance, strength and relaxation. They are gentle and ideal for seniors. Your local YMCA or community center can give you information on classes in your area and will also know of other exercise classes for seniors. You may still hate to exercise but taking a class can mean that you will meet others who want to be more active and make some friends.
