As you grow older, it becomes even more important to take care of your body. Exercise is an excellent way to both stay in shape and improve your mood, but some high-intensity exercises like running or biking can actually be detrimental to older bodies, causing injuries and excessive fatigue. At Brightwater Senior Living, we understand the importance of not overexerting yourself. We’ve compiled a list of some low-impact exercises for seniors that are gentle on the body.

Swimming

While swimming can be challenging and tiring, it’s actually very easy on your body overall. Unlike high-impact exercises like running or cycling that can stretch and strain your joints, swimming is a good option for those with joint pain. The natural buoyancy of the water prevents too much strain from being placed on your limbs. You aren’t limited to just swimming laps, either – water aerobics courses are another great option, and many gyms and community centers even have water aerobics classes designed specifically for seniors.

Walking

It doesn’t get much simpler than walking. You don’t need any equipment, special clothing, or even a gym. All you need is a good pair of supportive shoes. During inclement weather, you can walk inside your home or up and down the halls of your building, and walking during nice weather is an excellent way to get some fresh air and sun. For seniors, even walking for as little as 15-20 minutes a day can do wonders for their bodies and minds. To track pace and distance, it’s fun to use a digital watch or Fitbit.

Yoga

Yoga is a great option for those looking to increase their balance and flexibility while alleviating aches and pains. Grab a mat and start out with Downward Dog – or whatever beginner’s pose is most comfortable for you. You can join a group yoga class or start out by yourself with an at-home instructional video. Doing just ten minutes of gentle yoga stretches a day is enough to make a difference in your health. As you get more comfortable with the poses and positions, you can train for longer.

We hope that this list gave you some ideas on where to start with low-impact, low-intensity exercises easy on the body. For more suggestions, information, and inspiration, take a look at Brightwater Senior Living’s blog.