Exercise Groups for Seniors: Building Strength and Social Connection
Are you getting enough exercise in your advanced age? According to the CDC, the average senior needs roughly 150 minutes of light to moderate exercise per week. Exercise groups for seniors are the perfect way to find both strength and social wellness in aging.
Oklahoma City is an ideal spot to spend your retirement, whether you're a newcomer or a born cowboy. We're well known for our history, especially for the pioneers and Native American history. Whether you're here for the wide open ranges or our dense city, there's something for everyone.
If you're curious about senior group fitness in OKC, we're here to help. Here's a brief overview of strength training and companionship for seniors.
The Gist
Exercise groups for seniors are the perfect way to focus on your physical health while also promoting your social and mental health. These groups often use light, low-impact exercises that focus on cardio and aerobic exercises. Exercising in a group will also help you stay motivated and active.
Why Exercise?
The first thing we may consider is simple: why do we need community-based fitness? Many of us lead busy, bustling lives that already keep us active.
Being busy isn't always the same thing as being active. You can spend hours on paperwork without ever standing, and you can be moving physically for a whole day without engaging your mind.
True wellness requires both, but there's a third point: your mental health. Studies from the World Health Organization show that more than 16% of seniors struggle drastically with their mental health.
For many, this is a question of isolation, as well as a flagging mental health from boredom, loneliness, and ennui. Exercise can help to keep you active and your mind engaged.
If you're looking for activities to stay engaged, browse our activity calendar. We always have something in the schedule for you to look forward to!
What Are Common Group Exercises?
Senior group fitness in OKC is often class and event-focused. That is to say, groups require organization, and classes are the best way to organize.
Here are some of the many exercise classes and events you may find.
Tai Chi Classes
Tai chi is a meditative exercise that people use to focus on their relaxation and balance. Somewhat similar to yoga, tai chi focuses on steady, fluid movements. That contrasts with yoga, which focuses on poses.
Tai chi is perfect to help you improve your balance, which makes it perfect for seniors worried about a fall risk. It's also ideal for individuals focusing on their health or managing chronic conditions or limitations due to its ease of customization.
Low-Impact Aerobics
Aerobic classes are extremely common across all age groups, but are particularly useful for seniors. Mostly, this is because aerobic exercises focus on being "low-impact."
A low-impact exercise does not put extra strain on your joints, muscles, or bones. These may include:
- Running or light walking
- Stationary stretches
- Repeated rhythmic movements
Aerobic exercises get their benefits from repeated and rhythmic motions, often done using only your own body weight. That makes them perfect for people who struggle with stiffness and muscle pain.
However, some people find these exercises difficult if they have limited mobility. A great counter to that issue is that these exercises are easy to customize and switch around. If you find one exercise is overly challenging, just do a different one!
Group Events
Studies from the Michigan Medicine magazine show that as many as 1 in 3 seniors struggle with feelings of isolation. You may find that you're more interested in exercise when it doesn't feel like exercise.
A great example is group nature walks or outdoor exercises. Nature walks are effectively aerobic exercises falling under the broad umbrella of cardio. That means you can stay active and moving while also enjoying nature.
Of course, that all depends on what sort of events your community holds. Understanding how to live independently also means understanding where you can find social wellness in aging exercises. Look for group activities in assisted living communities to make sure you're making the most out of your retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
With everything handled, there are always some lingering questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about strength training for seniors.
Is It Safe to Exercise Alone?
That depends on several factors, such as your level of health and the exercises you're doing. Many exercises, such as aerobics, are perfectly safe to do alone.
These exercises are safe, easy, and don't present much of a threat. However, some aerobic workouts can present a falling threat. Make sure you're aware of what workouts you can do alone.
On the other hand, most strength training exercises are not advisable for seniors to do alone. That's because it's easier to get hurt, fall, or pull something and need assistance. These exercises are best done in groups.
For solo workouts, we recommend keeping it simple. Chair yoga, seated meditations, and tai chi are all great for a solo workout.
How Do I Get Better at Exercise?
As one might expect, exercise is something that you can only improve on with practice. When you first begin exercising, it's common for you to struggle.
Personal fitness takes repetition and time. Don't give up, stick with your workout regimen, and build a routine that focuses on your fitness.
At the same time, make sure you aren't forcing yourself beyond your limits. Exercise requires frequent rest! You won't do yourself any favors by refusing to rest.
Understanding Exercise Groups for Seniors
Exercise groups for seniors aren't just for physical health, but also for your mental health. Group activities in assisted living communities help you build your social wellness in aging while also improving your whole-person health. Consider how you can find a connection through movement to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy.
Here at Morada Southridge, we're more than a change of address; we're a change of life. We present you with chef-prepared dining, full-service housekeeping, and a fabulous retirement lifestyle to help you focus on your health. Contact us today to schedule your tour!