Exercise is critical to staying healthy in retirement. As the body ages, it requires physical activity to stay in shape and maintain mental well-being. In other words, exercise is essential to enjoying senior living to the maximum.
As important as physical exercise is as you get older, it is equally as important to approach exercise with care because as you get older, your body may not be as strong as it used to be in your prime. Below are important tips for creating a workout plan when staying in senior living.
Consider Senior Health Conditions
The first factor to consider when approaching workouts in senior living is your health condition. Knowledge of your health status will help you know which exercise routines you can handle.
Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and so on could make certain cardio exercises dangerous. Furthermore, previous fractures, arthritis, rheumatism and other bone-related conditions can severely reduce mobility and limit your exercise routines.
The best way to ascertain the types of exercise you can undergo is to fill out a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form before you move into senior living. It will help you and your trainer curate tailor-made exercise routines that keep you fit without pushing your body beyond its limit.
Level Of Mobility
Level of mobility refers to the range of motion your joints can handle during physical activity. Your level of mobility will determine the kinds of exercise you can endure.
A quick method to measure your level of mobility is to lie on your back, keeping your arms firm at your sides. While keeping your legs straight, lift one leg toward the ceiling without raising the other
You pass the mobility test if you can raise one leg past the opposite kneecap without lifting the other leg. However, if you cannot raise one leg without the other following or your knee bends as you raise it, it means you have a limited range of mobility.
Consequently, you should only engage in physical activity that does not push you beyond your range of mobility.
Start Off Easy
One of the most important tips for creating a workout plan when staying in senior living is to start easy. A major mistake people make with exercise is pushing themselves too hard from day one, leading to serious pain, injury and a lack of motivation to show up the next day.
The best approach to exercise is to start easy, so you can slowly ease into the routines and build stamina and momentum to stay healthy and keep fit. Instead of three-hour workout sessions, you can start with short ten-minute sessions and work your way up as your stamina increases.
Healthy Meal Choices
The last tip is to make healthy meal choices a part of your workout plan. Nutritious, wholesome foods will complement your workout routines and deliver the desired results. If you are still determining what food choices best align with your lifestyle, you can consult a nutritionist in your retirement community.
