The Best and Worst Exercises for Seniors

Not all workouts are as productive for seniors as they are for younger people. In fact, some exercises can do more harm than good. Keep reading to learn the best and worst exercises for seniors to know which activities you should prioritize.

Worst Exercises for Seniors

Physical activities and exercises that are too strenuous can cause injuries more easily in older adults. For this reason, seniors should avoid exercises such as leg presses, crunches, and running. These exercises cause repeated tension in typically weak areas for older adults. If you or a loved one suffers from existing injuries or chronic pain, some exercises can exacerbate these conditions. In these cases, avoid upright rows, chest presses, and deadlifts. These exercises can be difficult to perform correctly, especially for seniors, which can cause further injuries.

Best Exercises for Seniors

Now that you know which exercises you or your older loved ones should avoid, let’s explore some exercises to do instead. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. This low-impact activity doesn’t involve the tension of high-impact exercises such as running. Depending on age and weight, squats can also be a great exercise for elders.

Squats focus on increasing lower-body strength and target vital muscles in the legs. While they may seem intimidating, pushups can be great for seniors. Try practicing elevated pushups on a raised surface or your knees, which is easier than going all the way down to the floor.

Ways To Incorporate Exercise Into Senior Health Plans

Knowing which activities to prioritize is only the beginning. Next, you need to work these activities into your senior loved one’s daily plan. Encourage physical activity at least three days a week. However, this is something your loved ones should work up to, especially if they’re used to a sedentary lifestyle. Start by taking walks around their home or neighborhood. If you can’t always be there to supervise their physical activity, consider looking for local senior home care services. Home care experts can help your loved one incorporate physical activity into their day to improv their physical and mental health.

These are some of the best and worst exercises for seniors and some methods to encourage physical activity. If you’re looking for help getting your loved ones to stay active, turn to Caring Hearts Premier Home Care. We offer senior home care in Palm Desert, including assistance with daily exercise. Learn more about our home care services and how we can fit them into your loved ones’ schedules.