Get Moving with These Low-Impact Exercises!

When it comes to healthy aging, we all want to maintain our independence for as long as possible. The formula for doing so includes eating well, maintaining a good sleep schedule and keeping your body active and moving. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over the age of 65 should complete at least 150 minutes a week (or 30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity.

At first glance, you might think this means spending hours in the gym lifting weights or participating in other strenuous activities to meet this goal – but that’s not needed! In fact, low-impact exercises are more beneficial in the long run, especially for those living with joint pain, arthritis or similar health conditions.

At Astral at Auburn, our refreshing approach to senior living focuses on implementing an active lifestyle for residents to help them reach their wellness goals and live with purpose. 
If you’re searching for the best way to stay in shape and enjoy physical activity, here are four low-impact exercises to add to your workout routine!

Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. For those living with chronic illnesses or recovering from surgery, yoga can serve as an integral part of treatment by supporting the healing process and allowing you to feel more centered. 

Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility thanks to the slow movements integrated into various routines. These movements increase blood flow, warm up the muscles and build strength as you hold poses for long amounts of time. Several studies have also shown that yoga can ease many of the discomforts of arthritis. 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that has been practiced for generations and has been changed and adapted over the years. However, Tai Chi is best known for its concentration on breathing and deliberate movements, which create a strong connection between the mind and body. 

For older adults, Tai Chi can provide an outlet for focusing on mindful movements. Thanks to the deliberate, slow poses used in each routine, Tai Chi can help improve balance and prevent falls and injuries.

Pilates

Pilates can improve core strength and includes a series of exercises that teach you how to activate and coordinate multiple groups of muscles at once, all focusing on the main abdominal muscles. 

Pilates helps to enhance overall strength, stability and coordination, which is an excellent way to help you maintain balance and muscle memory. The repetitive actions utilized in Pilates are meant to be done slowly in order to create intentional movements that deliver effective results. 

Many Pilates workouts can be done with or without shoes on, using an exercise mat, which makes this low-impact exercise incredibly comfortable, convenient and effective!

Walking

While it might seem like a given, walking is one of the most common – and effective! – workouts that a person can participate in. Whether you walk at a steady pace for an extended period of time or choose a more brisk speed for a short walk around the block, the benefits of walking include strengthening muscles, lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing blood pressure and improving stamina and energy levels. 

Walking is also a great way to increase your confidence and mood, thanks to the burst of endorphins this easy exercise gives our bodies. It can also create a social outlet, as walking allows you to meet new people or creates an opportunity to gather with friends and family.  

Astral at Auburn has created an environment for active living, friendly faces and plenty of heart. When it comes to low-impact exercises, our fitness center and activity groups enjoy every opportunity to explore fun practices like Pilates or yoga every chance they get!
Whatever your favorite workout is, the benefits of low-impact exercises are numerous and effective.

Discover senior living in Auburn, Indiana, with purpose and contact us today to schedule a tour!