For many of our family members, to stay physically active is an important part of the aging process. Not only does it keep them healthy and vital, but it can also keep their brains sharp and improve their moods and outlooks on life. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to let your fitness goals fall by the wayside as you age, and that makes it all the more important to incorporate physical activities into your daily routine as much as possible. Here are some fun ways family members can stay physically active without sacrificing their overall enjoyment of life or putting unnecessary stress on their bodies.
Stay Physically Active By Gardening
Now that you’re retired, you may find yourself with a lot of extra time on your hands. But, you should make sure to stay active and healthy — after all, getting older can mean more health problems. One fun way to get moving is by gardening! Gardening is a great activity for people of all ages because it helps build balance and coordination. It also gets you outside in nature, which can be very relaxing. And best of all, gardening makes it easy to reap some delicious fruits and veggies too!
Stay Physically Active By Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that offers ample physical benefits to our loved ones. It can strengthen your heart and lungs, improve your agility and even help prevent depression. With such wide-ranging benefits, it’s easy to see why swimming is such a popular form of exercise for many to stay physically active. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay physically active, swimming may be worth a try. However, there are some factors you should take into consideration before you dive in headfirst — or doggy paddle. To get started, make sure you check with your doctor to make sure swimming isn’t going to harm your health or worsen an existing condition or injury you have.
Stay Physically Active By Doing Yoga
Yoga can help people of all ages find relief from chronic pain, improve flexibility and even help with balance. Yoga classes are often inexpensive and low-impact, making them ideal for loved ones who might not be able to participate in high-intensity or high-impact activities. Before you head to your local studio, though, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your physical limitations so you can choose a class that is appropriate for you. While some yoga instructors will modify poses based on individual needs, it’s important that every pose is done at your own pace to avoid injuries.
Stay Physically Active By Going Hiking
It doesn’t matter if you live in a dense urban area or out in the middle of nowhere. You can hike. Nature offers countless ways to stay physically active, and hiking is one of them. Not only will it challenge your balance and muscle strength, but hiking can also improve overall health by helping fight against obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
Consider Weightlifting to Stay Physically Active
Although weightlifting isn’t exactly fun, it can help you stay physically active when you can no longer engage in physical activities that are better suited for younger folks. It’s also an excellent way to build lean muscle, which is crucial for maintaining bone health. Another benefit of lifting weights is that your body will continue burning calories for up to 48 hours after a workout, so there’s little need to worry about losing too much weight during exercise.
