Senior Exercises to Avoid
The first Saturday in May is National Fitness Day, and while we support seniors keeping an active lifestyle – we support their safety a whole lot more. What do we mean by this? Some exercises are more “senior-friendly” and some could actually cause more harm than good to older adults. In this article, our team of senior caregivers in Gloucester County will review the main exercise safety concerns for older adults, which exercises to avoid, and ways to exercise safely.
One of the primary concerns for seniors is the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. These falls can lead to serious injuries, such as hip fractures or head trauma, and can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. Therefore, it’s best for seniors to avoid exercises that involve high-impact movements or sudden changes in direction.
Another common concern for seniors is joint pain and arthritis. Exercises that put excessive strain on the joints, such as running or heavy weightlifting, can aggravate joint pain and cause further damage. Additionally, seniors with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease may need to avoid certain exercises, like high-intensity cardio, to prevent exacerbating their conditions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of exercises that seniors can safely engage in to improve their physical health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance without putting excessive strain on the joints. Strength training exercises that use light weights or resistance bands can also help improve muscle strength and bone density without causing undue stress on the body. No matter which exercise you are considering incorporating into your routine, it’s important to speak with your fitness instructor or healthcare provider before performing any new strenuous activities that may negatively impact your current conditions.
Independent lifestyle communities, like UMC at Pitman, can be a great resource for seniors looking to stay active and improve their mobility. Our community has an on-site fitness center and exercise classes designed specifically for older adults. Trained staff members help our residents safely perform each exercise and can modify them if needed if they have mobility limitations or other concerns.
As well as providing exercise opportunities, UMC at Pitman also offers other resources to help seniors maintain their physical health. Our healthcare professionals on-site can help monitor chronic conditions and make professional recommendations regarding their fitness routines. Nutritious meals and snacks can also help seniors maintain a healthy weight and provide the energy needed to keep on moving!
Exercising safely at UMC in Pitman, NJ
At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, our favorite fitness classes include dance, Tai Chi, and chair yoga. We understand that each resident has different exercise goals, and may have to modify exercises according to certain health conditions or mobility limitations. Senior health is our top priority, so we constantly strive to offer a range of fitness classes to support each of our seniors in their journey to live life to the fullest!
For more information about how we support senior health and fitness in Pitman, New Jersey, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/
