As we age, it becomes more important than ever to keep our bodies physically fit and active. For seniors, it can be difficult to find low-impact exercises that do not overexert the body. However, that is no excuse to not keep yourself active. Particularly, outdoor exercises can help you stay fit and feel more connected to the external world, whether it’s your community or nature in general. Here are some safe outdoor exercises that you can try to stay active and healthy.
Hiking
A wonderful way to explore your surroundings, hiking can be immensely fulfilling for nature lovers or the naturally curious. Make sure to get fueled up before your hike and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout. Pick your level of trail difficulty according to safety guidelines and be aware of any potential dangers. If you find a trail you love, hiking could just become your next favorite way to work up a sweat!
Walking the Dog
If you have a dog, taking it out on walks regularly is a good way to build bonds while getting in some physical exercise. It is key to maintain a comfortable but reasonable walking pace to ensure that your body gets the movement it needs. If you can, playing catch with your dog can also be an exciting way to make exercise fun and rewarding for both of you. Animal-friendly environments make for a good starting point.
Tai Chi
With its slow pace and gentle, sweeping movements, tai chi helps to center both your mind and body. This “meditation in motion” can help to reduce stress while giving you a good stretch. Some benefits include improving your upper and lower body strength, increasing your flexibility, and helping you to balance better. As we get on in years, it is important to maintain good body balance as it can lower the risk of falls. To practice tai chi, all you need is a comfortable space and a clear mind. This means that you can conveniently do this exercise in a variety of outdoor locations.
Gardening
Do you have green fingers? Well, it does not matter if you haven’t a clue about gardening since there are many books and resources that you can refer to for a start. There are many benefits of gardening for seniors. Gardening exposes you to the wonderful benefits of clean air and nature’s serenity, as well as keeps you active. From bending to plant seeds or digging in the soil, the movement from gardening can help lower your risk of osteoporosis and prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. According to research, gardening can also keep mental illnesses such as depression at bay.
Swimming
When it’s warm outside, what can be more refreshing than a dip in the pool? Swimming is a low-impact activity that keeps your heart pumping. This means that you can improve your cardio endurance with minimal strain on the rest of your body. If you do not know how to swim, try walking across the pool in shallow water as a fun alternative.
Seniors have to keep fit while ensuring that they do not strain or injure their bodies. These low-impact outdoor exercises allow you to make the most of your surroundings while boosting your physical and mental health. Give them a try today, and slowly, you can work them into your life to become a part of your daily routine!
