If it’s true that investing in one’s health is money spent wisely, then a well-equipped home gym for seniors must be a smart investment and a great value. Regular exercise – at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week – confers multiple physical and mental benefits on older adults, including brain, cardio-pulmonary, and muscle health. Working out in the comfort of one’s own home makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.
Finding the Perfect Space a Home Gym for Seniors
It’s human nature that the more convenient it is to exercise, the more likely one is to maintain a regular routine. Assembling a home gym for seniors is simple, and rewards you with a personal refuge where you can feel safe pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Before you jump into equipment, you should identify a space for your gym. Whether that’s a guest bedroom, a home office or a section of your basement or garage, the good news is that — to get started — you don’t need much space. While you’ll see certain recommendations from 200 to 400 square feet, if you are just getting started, and don’t have much bulky equipment such as treadmills or stationary bikes, you’ll likely need much less space as you begin.
Essential Home Gym Equipment for Seniors
A good workout depends on having the best home gym equipment, but it doesn’t mean you have to get too fancy or spend money with abandon. In truth, an effective home gym for seniors requires little more than a few basic items, many of which you may already own. Do you have a good, solid chair? If so, you have a key element for a productive exercise set-up. In fact, hundreds of exercises for seniors require little more than a chair, but can be supplemental with small, inexpensive items, such as:
- Resistance bands
- Stability balls
- Foam Rollers
- Yoga Mats
- Light dumbbells
Dumbbells are a traditional exercise component regardless of age. There’s no need to pay for large dumbbells, the kind used for high-impact bodybuilding. Simply start with a two- to five-pound set and add weight as you feel stronger. These are essential tools for building strength and flexibility, and an affordable addition to any home gym for seniors. Many dumbbells can be purchased for under $10.
Exercise balls come in different (and easily manageable) sizes that are conducive to exercises that address everything from core strength work to stretching. These can be done with basic rubber balls and foam plastic cylinders, as well as resistance bands that provide an excellent strength and flexibility workout (fitness experts recommend resistance training for older adults). They also give you control over the intensity you want when working out.
Avoiding Overcomplicated Equipment & Exercises: Keep It Simple
It’s natural to want to pick up the pace as your strength and agility increase. Progress makes you feel good and the feeling of accomplishment is rewarding. But resist the impulse to go too high-tech, to overspend and risk unnecessary injury. You probably don’t need a treadmill or elliptical machine when a yoga mat and some fundamental cardio exercises will achieve your goals just as well. Simple squats are among the most productive exercises seniors can do, a great way to build lower-body strength.
Keep it simple is an important phrase to remember when putting together a basic home gym that emphasizes simple equipment and simple exercises. For example, you can perform core exercises working both lower and upper body using no more than a high-back chair (for sit-to-stand exercises); a yoga mat (for “bridge” exercises that work the lower body); and a resistance band for “T-Row” exercises (which strengthen the upper body).
The Benefits of Exercising in Your Own Home Gym
The benefits of regular exercise for older people are by now well known. But many seniors would likely never benefit without the logistical advantages and simple conveniences of having their own, self-made home gym. Think about some of the factors that people find off-putting about going to a public gym, and you’ll find the reasons that keep seniors from exercising.
Older adults need exercise as they age; without it, normal activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, can become burdensome, even painful. A home gym for seniors, using even simple equipment, can mitigate the discomfort of such activities and even reduce the likelihood of falls and other mishaps leading to injuries.
RELATED: What To Know About Fitness Benefits & Medicare
A home gym for seniors is, first and foremost, a convenience, an individualized workout space that’s comfortable, familiar, and inviting. There’s no need to rearrange your days so you can get in a workout when it’s convenient. Best of all, it allows you to exercise whenever you want, night or day.
Remember, the best home gym is one that encourages you to exercise in a comfortable environment with simple equipment and an exercise routine you enjoy. Having your own space makes it easier to keep pace with your workout goals and maintain a routine that leads to better strength, flexibility, balance, and a healthy mental state.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is important to consult with your healthcare professional or doctor before starting any new workout program or making changes to your exercise routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. They can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history. Additionally, it is crucial to listen to your body and make modifications or seek professional advice if you experience any discomfort, pain, or other adverse effects during exercise.
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