Morning Workout Routines for Independent Seniors

Rise and shine, it is time to move! Staying active and fit as a senior has so many benefits to both your physical and mental health. The best way to take advantage is to get your workout in first thing in the morning. If you or a loved one are looking for motivation to stay fit, here is a list of morning workout routines for older adults.

1. Let’s start with a low-impact, accessible morning workout for seniors—walking. Taking in some fresh air during a nice walk is a great way to start the day! Not only is it gentle on the joints and terrific for maintaining a healthy weight, but walking also improves overall health and reduces the risk of heart disease. Be sure to go at your own pace and listen to how your body responds after each walk. Want more of a challenge? You can make walking a full-body exercise by moving your arms in rhythm with your legs (and if you want to take it to the next level, carry light weights while you walk!).
2. We recommend yoga for a morning workout tailored to mind, body, and soul. From the “Mountain Pose” to the “Cat-Cow Stretch,” there are countless exercises for “Yogis” of all skill levels. Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation and is very gentle on the body. Although the poses can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, yoga classes offer the opportunity for seniors to finetune their exercises with the help of a qualified yoga instructor. As a more accessible and accommodating morning workout option, chair yoga offers seniors with physical limitations the same benefits.
3. This leads us to our next morning workout option—chair exercises! Incorporating chair exercises into the morning routine is a great way for seniors to start their day feeling energized, refreshed, and physically prepared for daily activities. These exercises help wake up your muscles and joints and improve cognitive function, making you feel more focused and alert. These morning exercises are an excellent option for those with limited mobility or other health restrictions and can be done just about anywhere!
4. If you don’t mind getting wet while you sweat, swimming is an awesome way to start off your morning! Swimming offers a variety of physical and mental benefits and is a low-impact exercise that is friendly to the joints. Swimming engages many different muscle groups and allows seniors to perform a wide range of motions, contributing to increased flexibility. Swimming has also been found to be a great stress reducer, as it allows seniors to start their day off with a sense of calm!

Independent Senior Living at Collingswood

Whatever morning workout you choose, it’s important for your physical and mental health to keep your body moving. Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of movement a day to stay in your best shape. This does not have to be all at once, you can do fifteen minutes of a movement twice a day if that’s easier for you. United Methodist Communities at Collingswood has plenty of exercise and wellness options, so you never have to worry about getting your workout in! We pride ourselves on providing the support and security seniors need, while offering a free and independent lifestyle.

If you think Independent Senior Living at UMC at Collingswood might be the right home for you or your loved one, contact us today!