It is important for seniors to remain active even during Arizona’s hottest months. To avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, seniors should limit the amount of time they spend outdoors. Instead, they should look for fun indoor exercises for seniors that meet their needs while helping them stay cool and hydrated.
What Are Some Safe Indoor Exercises for Seniors To Stay Active During Arizona’s Hottest Months?
There are many safe indoor exercises for seniors in Arizona to stay active in the summertime when it can be extremely hot outdoors. The best exercises for seniors focus on low-impact exercises, such as:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Chair exercises
- Walking on a treadmill
- Using a rowing machine
- Riding an indoor bicycle
- Using an elliptical machine
- Pilates
- Dancing
- Resistance band exercises
- Water aerobics
- Water walking
- Arm lifts
- Leg raises
- Swimming
- Mall walking
How Can Seniors Adapt Their Fitness Routines When Outdoor Temperatures Are Too High?
Senior fitness in Arizona requires seniors to make changes to their regular fitness routines when it is too hot outside by doing the following:
- If you exercise outdoors, change the time to early mornings or late evenings when it is cooler and there is no direct sunlight
- Wear light-colored clothing made from breathable materials
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated
- When outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Switch your exercise routines to comparable indoor exercises
- Spend more time using swimming pools to exercise and remain cool
Why Is It Important for Seniors to Exercise Regularly, Even During Extreme Weather Conditions?
Regular exercise is important year-round, regardless of the weather conditions. For seniors, it helps them to maintain their overall health and well-being. It can help to reduce the risk of age-related decline and keep their muscles strong. It can also help their mental and cognitive functioning while boosting their immune systems.
What Low-Impact Exercises Are Suitable for Seniors With Mobility Issues or Joint Pain?
Seniors with mobility issues or joint pain need to exercise regularly, just like other seniors. Some of the low-impact exercises for the elderly with joint pain or mobility issues that can help strengthen their bodies include:
- Yoga
- Stretching exercises
- Arm lifts
- Leg raises
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
- Water walking
- Stationary cycling
- Swimming
- Chair exercises
- Tai Chi
- Barre classes
How Can Seniors Set up a Home Exercise Space To Stay Active Indoors?
Setting up a home exercise space requires having sufficient room. You want a well-lit area that allows you to move around without knocking things over or tripping over them. You should also ensure the room has anti-slip flooring. If you use part of your garage, ensure it is air-conditioned.
Any exercise equipment, such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, and elliptical machines, should also fit easily into the room. You may also want a radio, Bluetooth speakers, or a similar device to play music while you exercise.
Are There Any Indoor Fitness Classes in Arizona Specifically Designed for Seniors?
When looking at how to stay fit indoors as a senior in Arizona, explore your options within your community. There are plenty of indoor fitness classes in Arizona specifically designed for seniors. Some of your numerous options are:
- Haven Health: We offer year-round exercise programs for seniors at our various facilities and locations in Arizona. Contact us directly for further information and details.
- SilverSneakers: SilverSneakers is a free program for seniors 65 and older through select Medicare plans. It provides access to various fitness centers and gyms in your community that offer senior exercise classes. It also provides free online access for tailored workouts at home.
- Community centers: Many community centers in Arizona offer special fitness programs for seniors, like the Tucson JCC.
- Specialized facilities: Some fitness centers have dedicated programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and people with mobility issues, like Ability360 in Phoenix.
- Shopping malls: Some malls offer specialty classes for seniors or have senior exercise groups that meet at the mall for mall walking or other exercise classes.
- 55+ communities: Some 55+ communities in the state offer exercise classes for seniors in their community fitness facilities.
- Assisted living facilities: Seniors who live at an assisted living facility should be able to find indoor fitness classes onsite.
What Are Some Tips for Seniors To Stay Hydrated and Safe While Exercising Indoors During the Summer?
Hydration is essential year-round, not just during the hot summer months. In the summer months, seniors should drink about one gallon of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Some tips to help ensure you get the most out of exercising indoors during the summer and stay hydrated are:
- Consult with your primary care physician before starting any type of exercise to ensure it is appropriate for your fitness level and overall health.
- Avoid pushing yourself too much and work gradually toward your fitness goals. It takes time to increase stamina and strength, so don’t push yourself too hard, or else you could injure yourself.
- Break up your exercise routine into smaller parts you can do throughout the day. For example, you can do a 10-minute walk on a treadmill in the morning, an afternoon yoga class, and a 15-minute swim or water walk in the evening.
- Keep a water bottle with you when you exercise, and drink regularly while working out.
- Try to exercise with a friend, so you can motivate each other.
- When not exercising, always have your water bottle filled and nearby to help you remember to remain hydrated. Don’t forget to take it with you if you leave the house to run errands or visit friends.
- If you want to spend some time outdoors for some fresh air, gardening, or walking around the block, avoid being outside from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. when it is the hottest and the sun is the strongest.
Find Exercise Programs for Seniors at Haven Health
If you are looking for indoor exercises for seniors in Arizona, check out the range of programs available at Haven Health and our different facilities throughout the state. We also offer exercise programs for senior residents at our assisted living facilities.
Additionally, exercise is a core part of our skilled nursing facility care plans to help seniors recover from surgeries, accidents, and injuries. Contact us today for further information about our senior exercise programs or assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Sources:
Ability360. (2024).
Healthy Aging at the J. (2023).
SilverSneakers. (2024).