Exercise for SeniorsReduced mobility is an unfortunate reality in the lives of many seniors. Exercise for seniors is more important than it is for other demographics. Not only do the elderly have to worry about other health complications, there is also issues of reduced mobility. In fact, the number one way to fight for your mobility is through exercise (and a healthy lifestyle). By following these tips you will be living a healthier lifestyle, and may even find yourself with increased mobility. 1. Always talk to your doctor, or a certified physiotherapist before beginning any regular physical activity. The worst thing you can do is injure yourself more, and the easiest way you can do this is by doing exercises you're not ready for, or doing them improperly. You can protect yourself from injury, and get the most out of your exercises, by talking to a doctor or certified physiotherapist.
2. Go for a swim Swimming is a great form of exercise for seniors, as it lets you work out at your own level. You can choose to exercise some muscles and try to avoid others. Swimming can both be a cardiovascular exercise, or a muscle-training exercise. Just remember to work at your own pace. 3. Try yoga or tai chi Not only are yoga and tai chi great ways to increase mobility, but they can also be a great way to get a work out, too. These thousands-of-years-old techniques can help your overall health, from dexterity to respiration, energy levels to flexibility. Many community centers offer yoga classes specifically for seniors, too. 4. Try Chairdancing Chairdancing offers a series of exercises that can be performed while sitting. These sites offer instructional DVDs that you can follow along with, at your own pace. Chairdancing is only available in Canada and the United States.
Like chairdancing, Flexiciser is another product for the mobility challenged. However, Flexiciser is more than just instructional videos, they're exercise machines with every element designed for people with limited mobility. The prices are pretty steep though, with their standard model selling for USD $4899. 6. Try a Flexiciser Many phyisotherapy companies have Flexicisers, and if you booked time with a physiotherapist you would be allowed to use their Flexiciser. The bonus of this is you also get the supervision of a physiotherapist, so you would be exercising to your full potential.
7. Go to a physiotherapist Even if your physiotherapist doesn't have a Flexiciser, they can tailor exercises specifically to you. Your physiotherapist can teach you techniques that you can use on your own, or you can continue going to physio to get the assistance you may need. 
8. Try wall push-ups Stand away from the walls so that when your arms are fully extended, you will be standing straight up. Then lean towards the wall slowly and in control, then slowly push away so you're standing straight up again. Try to do this in two series, 8-10 times for each series. This exercise for seniors should not be painful at all. If you are feeling any pain whatsoever, stop. You can try this exercise with you closer to the wall, and slowly stepping back until your arms length away. 9. Weight training Try lifting weights. Whatever weight you're working with should allow you to do 15 reps, but not many more. There are lots of weight exercises that you should be able to out about easily, either online or by a physiotherapist, or another trusted source. 10. Eat Healthy! No healthy lifestyle is complete without a healthy diet. Even a five-thousand dollar Flexiciser can only go so far to helping you stay fit without having a healthy diet. Bonus! 11. Stay Fit Getting fit is a lot harder than staying fit. If you are fit take advantage of it and follow the above tips and stay fit. If you aren't fit keep motivated and get yourself in healthy condition. Once you are in good condition it'll be a lot easier to stay there. So now you have something else to look forward too with rewarding exercise for seniors!
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