Water exercises are one of the best ways to get into better shape while also increasing your overall strength and amount of lean muscle. In fact, many people would consider pool exercises as the perfect exercise for the elderly that want to improve or maintain their level of health. This is largely because water helps to alleviate many of the issues with exercises done on land, providing a low weight-bearing and low impact alternative.
This means that it reduces the amount of force behind different exercise movements that can be jarring for your muscles, tendons, and ligaments and is also easy on the joints. Not only does this mean that there is a lower chance of exercise-induced injuries, but older adults may also be able to accomplish a larger array of exercises in a swimming pool than if they were to try on dry land.
Before you or your loved one starts on a new fitness program, it is also good to consult your doctor about any potential limitations or risks to take note of. On top of this, it can also be helpful to join a senior-centric session at your local fitness center or community pool.
It might be overwhelming to have to consider swimming laps immediately, so here is a list of simple pool exercises that come with great health benefits.
Water Walking
This is a great exercise for beginners – to begin with, just wade into the pool until you’re around waist-deep in water. Afterward, just walk around the pool in the same way you would on land. Make sure to maintain good posture, try to swing your arms, and try to avoid being on your tiptoes.
Kickboard Resistance
Another interesting exercise is trying kickboard resistance. This will require either a boogie board or a small kickboard. Have a firm grip on the kickboard in waist-deep water. Next, extend your arm to one side and keep your elbow close before pushing it towards your body. Afterward, extend it.
Leg Swings
This can help older adults to build muscle in their legs. Begin in waist-deep water and hold onto the edges of the pool. After this, swing one leg as far forward as you can and hold the position for five seconds. Afterward, swing the leg behind.
Enjoy the Best of Senior Living with Conservatory At Alden Bridge
As you enter retirement, swimming exercises are just one of the many interests that you have been wanting to try out. Here at Conservatory At Alden Bridge, we believe that every individual deserves the right to enjoy their golden years with easy access to amenities that help them achieve the life they want.
On top of this, we offer each of the residents in our senior living community housekeeping and maintenance services. We understand that it can be hard to cope, and sometimes dangerous to have to complete all your household chores and the necessary maintenance works to have a beautiful home. By offering these services, we hope to allow our residents the ability to truly focus on themselves and the things they enjoy.
To find out more about how we can help you make the most of your golden years, contact us today and our senior living counselors will answer you shortly.
