Stay Fit in The Winter: Exercise Routines for Seniors at Home

Staying fit can be difficult in general, but it can even be harder in the winter. During the winter, many of us are tired and/or unmotivated due to the cold and gloomy weather, but we need to keep moving and get out of those winter blues as soon as possible. Even if you're a senior living alone or have mobility issues, there are still ways you can exercise from the safety and comfort of your home!

Take A Walk Inside

For seniors with minimal or no mobility issues, taking a walk inside can be a great way to stay fit. This simply entails walking a few laps around the house, or even walking up and down the stairs if possible. If you find this to be a bit boring, you could turn on some music for a nice beat to move around to!

Lift Some Cans

Lifting weights doesn't always mean trying to lift 100+ pounds over your head; you can lift "weights" by using soup cans or water bottles instead! Whether you choose to sit down or stand up, using cans or bottles as arm weights is a great method for seniors to stay fit at home. 

Try Some Yoga

Yoga is something that can easily be done at home, especially when you have access to the internet. There are hundreds of yoga workout videos online, and many of them are specifically targeted toward senior citizens. When doing yoga, just make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes and have a yoga mat or other soft spot on the floor to exercise on. 

Strength Training

Strength training sounds more difficult than it is. You don't need to lift anything heavy or perform workouts that are too strenuous; strength training is a workout routine that often includes squats, push-ups, lunges, and more. These exercises are typically easier for seniors and/or those new to working out, and you don't have to go to a gym to do any of them! 

SilverSneakers has provided a list of exercises and instructions for seniors interested in trying out strength training.

Take An Online Fitness Class

Some seniors find it easier to work out while participating in an online class. It can be more motivating to know you're watching someone instruct a class in real-time instead of just trying to follow along to a video that you can pause at any time. This method typically requires a subscription or payment, but there are some online classes you can try out before making a commitment.

Stay Fit This Winter With Senior Helpers of Lincolnwood

If you or a senior loved one are in need of at-home care in Lincolnwood, Chicago, Niles, or Cook County, then contact Senior Helpers of Lincolnwood today. We're happy to provide needed companionship, help with daily chores and hobbies, and run errands for your senior loved one, while still allowing them to maintain independence. Contact us today if you're interested in our services and/or would like to learn more about what we do.