14 Fun Exercise Routines For Seniors To Keep Them Moving
Introduction
Senior citizens are often limited in the amount of physical exercise they can do because of age-related injuries, medical problems, and decreased stamina. But thankfully there is a solution: exercise routines can be more than just a way to relieve stress and anxiety. They also provide an easy way to stay healthy and active for seniors as they grow older. There are several ways to exercise that are suitable for seniors. The most important thing is to make sure you choose activities that engage your entire body and mind while respecting your current health condition. If you are practicing an exercise technique that may be easy on your joints or has a light impact on the body then it should be fine.
14 Fun Exercise Routines For Seniors To Keep Them Moving + Recommended Songs To Exercise With
1. The Wave Exercise
Wave Exercise is a great exercise for seniors who might feel self-conscious about exercising in a gym or health club. It can be done in the comfort of your own home and requires only a broomstick and a single tennis ball. The trick is to stand up straight holding the handle of the broomstick at face level with both hands. Next, you will swing the tennis ball from side to side in front of your body. Make sure you don’t move your feet while doing so. This is a great method for warming up and can be practiced slowly or with agility as you see fit. Make sure you stand up straight and face forward. Hold the broomstick at face level with both hands. Swing the tennis ball from side to side in front of your body. Do not move your feet while doing so. Repeat this for about 30 seconds or until you feel warm and that your muscles are sufficiently warmed up. The recommended song for this exercise is: The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson.
2. The Jazzercise Exercise
Jazzercise is a popular aerobic exercise that is usually practiced in group classes and clubs. It is very similar to the Wave Exercise as it also aids in warming up and moving the body, but it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone exercise routine. To practice the Jazzercise exercise, you need two small balls or tennis balls. Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart and hold one ball in each hand. Gurgle out jovial sounds while lifting each leg alternately and taking one step forward with each leg. Do so while keeping your arms and upper body still. Repeat this for about 30 seconds or until you feel warm and that your muscles are sufficiently warmed up. The recommended song for this exercise is: Smile by Nat King Cole.
3. The Dance Exercise
Dance Exercises can be enjoyed hand-in- hand with the Wave and Jazzercise exercises as they all share a common goal: to get you moving and keep you active. Like the previous two exercises, Dance Exercises can be practiced in the comfort of your own home with just a broomstick if you want to add a personal touch to it. There are several types of Dance Exercises. The following is a list of the most popular ones: The Salsa, Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz and Cha-Cha. To get you started the dancers ask you to do a body movement to follow along with the song’s rhythm before you start dancing. It is best to practice these exercises slowly and take frequent breaks if your joints become a little stiff or sore. You can then gradually increase your speed and intensity as your body gets used to it. The recommended song for this exercise is: Hero by Enrique Iglesias ft. Ludacris
4. The Dance Aerobics Exercises
Dance Aerobics is a similar exercise that uses song lyrics as a guide to lead you through a series of dance moves. The preferred music for this exercise is upbeat, fast paced and energetic. There are many types of dance aerobics, but the most common ones include: Salsa, Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz and Cha-Cha. Choose one that you like to practice first; then play along with the song by yourself for about ten minutes to get your body warmed up. Then try it with two or more people dancing at the same time. If you like it then practice doing it for 15 minutes each day once or twice per week. The recommended song for this exercise is: Dance To The Music by Bee Gees.
5. The Weight Training Exercises
Weight training is a form of exercise that involves lifting weights to build muscle and strength in the body. It originates from the Latin word “to lift”. Weight training can be done at home with simple equipment such as dumbbells, barbells, weight benches, resistance bands and more. The most common types of weight training exercises are: Chest Presses, Triceps Presses, Biceps Curls and Leg Extensions. To practice weight training for seniors you need an adjustable bench or other sturdy piece of furniture that you can place your weights on top of without it tipping over.. The recommended song for this exercise is: Get on Your Feet by Jennifer Lopez.
6. The Yoga Exercise
Yoga exercises are a great, effective way of relaxing and relaxing your mind as well as your body. It is a form of exercise that originated from India and has been practiced by many countries for thousands of years. In Indian culture it is believed that yoga works to relieve stress and anxiety, keep you healthy and fit, reduce pain from injury or illness, improve mental health, control of emotions and insomnia. Many seniors have sought the benefits from practicing yoga so it shouldn’t be out of place for them to enjoy this wonderful exercise as well. The recommended song for this exercise is: The River by Michael Franti & Spearhead.
7. The Chair Exercise
The Chair Exercise is similar to the Jazzercise exercise where you will be moving your upper body while standing upright. However, unlike the other two exercises you will be sitting down while doing so. The only equipment required for this exercise is a chair that can support your weight. You should practice this exercise slowly and take frequent breaks if your joints become stiff or sore. Keep in mind that if you are underweight, you should start with lower weights than what you would usually lift during the other two exercises to build muscle gradually so as not strain your bones or joints. The recommended music for this exercise is: Love by Bryan Ferry
8. The Ball Rolling Exercises
Ball Rolling exercises are great for people looking to get their bodies moving more while having fun. It is very similar to the tennis ball exercise mentioned earlier, but you use a soft ball instead. The ball rolling exercise can be practiced in the comfort of your own home with just a small ball and an open space. The recommended song for this exercise is: My Life by Michael Jackson.
9. The Beach Exercises
Beach Exercises are a variation of the Balboa exercise described earlier. To practice the Beach Exercises you need an open space that is somewhat elevated from the ground, such as a park bench or a deck. Stand five to eight feet from the edge facing the water and lift your arms up in a large circular motion so they touch in front of your body. Then lower them again in a similar motion. Continue this for about 30 seconds or until you feel warm and that your muscles are sufficiently warmed up. The recommended song for this exercise is: Something Stupid by Dean Martin ft. Frank Sinatra.
10. The Singing Exercises
Singing exercises are another great way to stay active and warm up your body. Singing exercises can be done anywhere with music playing either in the background or at full volume, but it may be best to keep this exercise in the privacy of your own home to prevent others from hearing you. There are countless songs that can be used for these exercises; therefore it is recommended that you choose one that you like to start with. The recommended song is: These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra.
11. The Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are great for seniors because they improve flexibility and range of motion in the body. Stretching exercises can be done anywhere with no special equipment required; all you need is your body and the floor. These exercises are good for conditioning your heart, helping you to breathe more deeply, improving balance and stability, relieving muscle tension or pain (especially in the back), preventing injuries, improved athletic performance and improved blood circulation. It is recommended that you start these exercises slowly before doing them at full intensity. The recommended song for this exercise is: I Want You Back by Jackson 5.
12. The Cool Down Exercises
Cool Down Exercises are great for young and old alike because it helps bring down your heart rate and relaxes the body by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It is very beneficial for seniors to do these exercises after a workout because they help to bring down any excess heat that may be present in the body and improve overall health. There are many different cool down exercises that can be done depending on your preferences or level of fitness, but they all have similar benefits. The recommended song for this exercise is: Cooling Down by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera.
13. The Cardio Exercises
Cardio exercises are a form of exercise that involves using your body’s energy to move a weight or resistance. They are usually done in a freestyle fashion to various tunes so you can change up your routine at any time. The cardio exercises can be done almost anywhere with the only requirement being the availability of an exercise machine. The recommended songs for this exercise are: Bodies by DAFT PUNK and Go West by Pet Shop Boys.
14. The Machine Exercises
Machine exercises are a great way to keep your entire body active and fit. They can be done anywhere with no special equipment required, but some machines need to be operated by an adult who is at least 18 years old. nMachine exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home, as it requires little space and is easy to do almost anywhere with little inconvenience. In most cases you will be able to go into a gym that offers these machines, but it will cost money to do so. You can also purchase a machine from a local store or from any place that sells exercise equipment for a small fee. The recommended song for this exercise is: In The Night by In This Moment.
Conclusion
As seen, there are many types of exercises out there to help seniors stay fit. The above exercises are just a few of the ones that can be done to improve physical health or overall wellbeing by being active. As well as the above, exercise is also good for the mind because it will keep you mentally sharp and help relieve stress. It can do so much more! Additionally, it is good to exercise in groups with others around you because you will have company during your workout. Fun exercises are a great way to get a workout done with a good social experience at the same time. The above exercises were different from each other in physical activities and physical abilities of the seniors. Walking, dancing, rope jumping, ball rolling and ball rolling are the most popular exercises among senior citizens that helps to prepare them for their next stage in life. These exercises help them to stay active and healthy while still getting some fun out of it. It is ideal for seniors who want to be more active while feeling good about themselves. With all these benefits from exercising, you can see why there are so many seniors who participate in these exercises for a better quality of life. Also, music helps the seniors to have fun during their workout as it keeps them entertained and motivated.