As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes that can take a toll on our vitality and strength, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Senior-friendly fitness programs are the unsung heroes that pave the way toward not just maintaining but thriving in our golden years.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn back the clock on aging or keep your independence as you grow older, you’re about to uncover the powerful benefits these fitness programs hold for you.
The Best Senior-Friendly Fitness Programs
To stay mobile and active well into your sunset years, here are a few fitness programs specifically designed for you.
SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a comprehensive fitness program tailored specifically for seniors, offering access to gym memberships, fitness classes, and community activities designed to promote better health and encourage social interaction.
Anyone who is 65 and older can access the online courses at no cost through Medicare. The program has live online classes and workshops, or you can watch videos on your own time with the video-on-demand service.
Enhance
Enhance Fitness stands out as a senior-centric fitness program with an emphasis on three key areas:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
These critical aspects of physical health can enhance seniors’ quality of life and reduce the risk of falls.
The Enhance brand includes two evidence-based programs for seniors: Enhance Fitness and Enhance Wellness. The fitness program helps seniors become more active, energized, and empowered through group senior exercises and fall prevention techniques.
Geri-Fit
As a federally approved program for seniors, Geri-Fit has proven it can help seniors live a more active and engaging life. It’s designated as a tier 3 program, the highest level, and also includes chronic disease self-management programs.
The exercise for seniors includes small dumbbell weights and is known as a progressive resistance exercise program. Essentially, this means individuals build up enough strength over time to increase the weights of their dumbbells, making them even stronger.
On the Move
On the Move (OTM) is a uniquely tailored exercise program specifically designed for older adults, with an emphasis on enhancing walking abilities. The program focuses heavily on biomechanics and motor control to help improve balance, strength, and overall mobility. Here are some exercises included in the program:
- Warm-up sessions
- Stepping patterns
- Walking patterns
- Strength exercises
- Cool-down sessions
The OTM program is structured and organized, beginning with a warm-up session to prepare the body for physical activity. This is followed by a series of stepping patterns that help to improve coordination and balance.
The heart of the program lies in its walking patterns, which are designed to mimic everyday movements. Strengthening exercises are also integrated into the program, targeting specific muscle groups that support walking. Finally, a cool-down session concludes the workout, allowing the body to gradually return to its resting state.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
The SAIL Program is a community-based fitness initiative designed primarily for seniors. The key feature of the program is the fitness classes that meet three times a week for one hour each session. Each session is thoughtfully structured to include a warm-up phase, aerobic exercises, balance training, strength training, and stretching exercises.
Using this program, you should see an increase in several areas, including:
- Flexibility
- Cardiovascular health
- Balance
- Muscle strength
All exercises are adaptable, so you can complete them sitting or standing. This helps individuals of any fitness level be able to participate.
What Is the Best Exercise Program for Seniors?
Figuring out the perfect exercise routine for seniors boils down to finding one that covers all the needs of older adults. Look for something that focuses on balance, strength, and flexibility. These are the three key areas that will help with fall prevention and general mobility.
Besides these core parts, a solid workout plan for seniors should flex to fit different fitness levels and physical limits. Programs that offer adjustments based on your senior fitness level and take a step-by-step approach to exercise let you improve gradually and lower the chance of getting hurt.
What Exercises Are Good for the Elderly?
Low-impact cardiovascular activities like walking or swimming are fantastic choices for elderly individuals. These exercises are easy on the joints, improve circulatory system health, and increase stamina.
Walking can be done anywhere; all that’s needed is a pair of comfortable shoes. Many community centers offer senior-friendly aqua aerobics classes for swimming that add a social element to the workout.
Should You Still Exercise as a Senior?
Continuing to exercise as a senior is incredibly important. Staying active helps you fight the effects of aging, keeping your body strong and better able to handle injuries. It can improve balance, reduce the likelihood of falls, and maintain or increase muscle mass and bone density, which are important as the body ages.
Exercise also plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Senior Programs at Haven Health
Embracing a lifestyle that includes regular exercise is essential for longevity and vitality. Programs like the ones in this article improve balance, strength, and flexibility in an environment of support and community. Haven Health is the leading nursing facility in Arizona, and we are committed to providing senior fitness programs for all seniors.
Our assisted living facility is the perfect place to find community while improving balance, strength, and mobility. Contact our skilled nursing facility today to learn more about our senior programs and how we can help you live a happier, healthier life.