Staying active during the wintertime is difficult for everyone – not just seniors. The cold outside can be biting, and if you get caught out in an unexpected snowstorm during your daily walk, then the results can be disastrous. This brings up a problem, however: how am I supposed to stay active when I can’t really go outside?
Getting enough exercise, even in winter, is extremely important for everyone, including seniors. Exercise is a vital part of staying happy and healthy and is essential to maintaining good physical health. But if it’s snowing outside, it’s hard to get up and get active.
If you’re worried about staying active this winter, here are some ideas to consider:
1. Virtual Fitness Class
Taking a fitness class doesn’t mean that you have to leave the warmth and safety of your home!
If you’re a savvy internet user, then finding new workout classes or workout tutorials is much easier than you think. All you need to do is head onto a video sharing website like YouTube, and you’re sure to find a huge variety of different workouts for you to try. The best part? These are whole workout classes that can be done in your living room or bedroom!
Many gyms and fitness clubs now offer live workout classes online if you know where to look. However, most of these classes require some sort of payment or sign up fee. If that’s not something that you’re interested in doing, try looking on YouTube for simple workout instructions that you can access for free. You’ll be able to learn something new while staying inside and getting your exercise in!
2. Use What You’ve Got as Weights
Are you interested in lifting weights, or has your trainer or doctor recommended simple weightlifting exercises for you to complete? If so, then you’ve likely looked at purchasing a small set of weights or use the weights at the gym or the fitness center at our luxury senior living in Madison Heights, MI.
Did you know, though, that you can use whatever you’ve got in your house as weights? That includes what you have in the pantry! The next time you want to do some weightlifting exercises but can’t head out due to the winter weather, grab a couple of cans of green beans from your pantry and do your weightlifting exercises with those! They might not be the most traditional weights you’ve ever used, but they get the job done.
3. Go on a Walk… In Your Hallway
One of the most enjoyable and leisurely ways to get some exercise is by going on a walk. The winter cold and snow, though, tend to make heading out for a walk very difficult to do. Instead, try heading on a walk inside!
If you’re in a senior living center like Reserve at Redrun’s luxury senior living in Madison Height, MI, heading on a walk inside is very easy. Simply head out of your apartment and start walking through the halls! There’s a wide expanse of space for you to check out in the center, and it’s easy to navigate. Plus, because there are many other seniors living in the senior living center along with you, finding company to go on your walk is easy!
Going on a walk isn’t limited to living in a senior living center, though. Even if you’re in an apartment or a single-family home, start walking through your home! Make a figure eight through your kitchen and living room, head up and down your stairs, or walk from the bedroom to the bathroom and back again. It might be a smaller area, but it’s still effective for helping you get up and active when you can’t go outside!
4. Chair Exercises
Mobility issues are something that many seniors struggle with, whether you’re a resident of independent living in our luxury senior living in Madison Heights, MI, or you’re in more of an assisted living situation. Whatever your living situation, chair exercises are perfect for seniors who struggle with mobility issues.
Chair exercises are easy to learn, are low-impact, and can help seniors stay active even when they aren’t able to get up and do a lot of heavy exercise. Many popular exercises like yoga, cardio, and more have been adapted to do as chair exercises, making them easier and more accessible than ever before.
If you’re interested in learning more about what chair exercises might be good for you, speak with your doctor to see what they recommend!
5. See What Classes Are Available
One of the best parts about living in a senior independent living center is the easy access to all of the incredible amenities that are available. Not only do senior living centers offer important amenities like dining options, housekeeping assistance, and more, but they also offer fun classes for their residents to take. The best part? You don’t even have to go outside!
The Reserve at Red Run is one of these centers. At our luxury senior living in Madison Heights, MI, you’re sure to find an exercise class that you enjoy. We offer low impact exercises like yoga and tai chi, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous, then we also offer personal training sessions! Check out the monthly calendar to see what we have to offer.
Contact The Reserve at Red Run
Here at The Reserve at Red Run, we understand the importance of keeping our residents happy, healthy, and active, no matter what time of year it is. Staying active in the winter is always much harder for everyone, not just seniors, because the weather isn’t forgiving to anyone.
That’s why we’re proud to be able to offer several options for our senior residents to participate in. From our wide halls that you can traverse with your neighbors to our incredible fitness class options, Reserve at Red Run can help you stay active all year long.
If you’re interested in seeing what The Reserve at Red Run can offer to you, then contact us today to schedule a tour.
