Exercise Programs Designed for Any Limitations

Not everyone has the physical ability to run a marathon, but regardless of your limitations, exercising is good for you.  Even if you have a disability, physical restrictions, or are chair-bound, there is a variety of fitness programs designed with your needs in mind.  These programs instruct participants on a range of exercises that can safely be done while sitting and help improve overall fitness.  However, you need to consult with your health care provider before beginning any type of physical activity. 

One such program for chair bound individuals is from Sit and Be Fit, a non-profit organization committed to healthy aging that hosts a TV show by the same name that has been on PBS for over 22 years.  In addition the organization’s founder, Mary Ann Wilson, has created 26 home exercise products including workouts for those with arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke rehabilitation.  The Sit and Be Fit TV show is recognized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for "Best Practices" in health promotion and aging.

Seated exercises are also helpful for those that have difficulty standing for any length of time, but experts recommend starting any exercise program slowly and to build momentum.  Chair exercises include lifting light weights, stretching, and doing chair aerobics.  The exercises are designed to increase range of motion, improve muscle tone and promote cardiovascular health. In addition chair exercises are easy to do as they do not require expensive workout equipment.

Another way to get movement into your life is through chair yoga, which is intended for individuals with disabilities, weight challenges, inflexibility, or an inability to get on the floor.  The chair is your “mat,” and according to the Get Fit Where You Sit website, “Chair yoga offers you the ability to improve your health through an amazing form of adaptive exercise.”

 

* This is for informational purposes only.  Before starting any physical

activity, be sure to check with your doctor.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:sitandbefit.org/chair_exercises_for_seniors 

getfitwhereyousit.com/who_benefits_from_chair_yoga_fitness_exercise.html

Hobbies Provide Health Benefits for Seniors

Hobbies are not only a fun way to spend leisure time but can be good for you.  Depending on the type of hobby, they can help to exercise your mind or exercise your body, and some do both.  In addition spending time doing things you enjoy can help you stay more interested in life, and most hobbies do not cost a lot to participate.

Creative hobbies such as painting, crafting, sculpting, woodworking, and photography can be enjoyed at any age.   The performing arts also provide another fun option for people of all ages.  In many communities, you can find a number of amateur or professional theater productions, and there are even theatrical groups geared just for seniors.  

Another great hobby for seniors is swimming.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that swimming offers a number of benefits for aging adults such as decreasing the risk of chronic illness and improving the health of those with heart disease and diabetes.   Also people can exercise longer in water than on land without joint or muscle pain.  In fact swimming can actually help to lessen osteoarthritis pain and improve joint health for seniors suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The CDC also says swimming can decrease depression and help to improve mood in both men and women. 

Yoga and other forms of stretching exercises are becoming more popular with seniors as it can help to improve flexibility and movement as well as to improve blood flow to the brain, heart and circulatory system.  There are many levels of yoga classes including chair yoga for those that are unable to get down on the floor. 

Another hobby that many seniors enjoy is genealogy and family tree scrapbooking.   Finding out more about your family history and putting together important pieces of your family history into a scrapbook or creating a family tree will be something of interest to your children and grandchildren.  This is a good way to organize and display family documents, photographs, memorabilia, awards, citations, and letters into your scrapbook.

* Before starting any physical activity, be sure to check with your doctor. 

Sources: caregiverrelief.com/activities-for-senior-citizens/

cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/health_benefits_water_exercise.html

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most respected names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. Currently we have 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015, and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to make sure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.