Staying Active
For active seniors, staying in shape can be tricky. Running is a fantastic cardio workout but comes with some limitations. It is vigorous, unforgiving, and may cause soreness in your joints, knees, and ankles.
Discovering water training could be beneficial for strong cardio without the injuries that come with other activities. From your backyard pool to the closest Great Lake, your next water adventure is a short car ride away.
Physical therapists swear by the benefits of staying active. Water training is a comprehensive full-body workout without the baggage of joint pain and muscle deterioration. Training in the water burns up to three and a half times the calories as those on land.
The Heartland of the United States isn’t known for its’ tropical climate. You are still able to squeeze in four or five months of outdoor access. Wherever you have water access or not, cardio can be easily adjusted to any level of fitness. These three simple exercises will push your cardio to the next level and are a blast. And mixing a little Vitamin D along with your training will produce one happy camper!
Water Jogging
If running is a passion, move it off the road and into the water. Jogging side-to-side in the pool is a great cardio workout. Incorporating big wide arm swings will up the ante and build arm strength too! Statistically, one in three 65-year-olds fall, and that number increases with age. Water jogging is the safest alternative in the game and an ideal setting to push yourself.
Arm Curls
Another “land exercise” that works well in the pool is basic arm curls. You can increase the burn with water weights or just use the water itself. Either way, your arms will feel the natural resistance building your muscles after your first set. Arm curls aren’t necessarily a cardio exercise, but with the resistance of the water, you can curl faster without the risk of injury.
Leg Swings
Seniors need flexible hips for stronger confident movement and these swings are the answer. Swing your legs to the front, side, and back and hold them for a five-count to build muscle. Feeling extra buff? Hold them for ten seconds. Your hips and legs are the nuclei. Don’t discount those for the flashier muscles during your workout.
Seniors Helping Seniors® has one goal and that is to extend your independence. Staying healthy, maintaining muscle, and building your cardiovascular strength will make this goal a reality for seniors of any age. Maximize your cardio strength while minimizing the injuries that accompany other activities. Your lifestyle depends on it!
Our senior care programs foster relationships between seniors seeking employment and seniors who need help with daily non-medical personal needs, household tasks, and chores to continue living comfortably in their homes. Call or text Seniors Helping Seniors® Chicago Metro at 312-526-3666 to learn more about our services.