Indoor Walking Workout Tips for Seniors in Glendale Assisted Living
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An indoor walking workout provides numerous benefits for seniors, including an improved cardiovascular system and enhanced balance and stability. However, it is crucial to keep advice and tips in mind, so you can exercise safely without risking your health.
The CDC reports that older adults in Glendale, WI should engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes every week. Although that number may seem daunting, breaking it down into several workouts makes it more manageable.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get a good workout in while enjoying yourself. Here are some key tips for mastering the indoor walking workout and creating a fitness regimen that you actually look forward to.
Invest in a Good Pair of Walking Shoes
Even if you are doing a workout in your home, always wear walking shoes. Although walking is less stressful on your feet than high-impact activities like running, it can still cause pain and damage without the proper footwear.
Some shoes for seniors have additional features, such as orthopedic insoles and velcro strips instead of shoelaces. For a more stylish option, consider slip-ons, which sometimes do not require bending over at all.
If you have foot problems, consider meeting with a podiatrist before buying a pair of walking shoes. They can evaluate your feet and make recommendations that will provide you with both comfort and support.
When searching for the ideal brand or type of shoe, make sure to try them on in person before ordering them online. You can get a feel for them in the store and try on several different styles to find your perfect fit.
Keep Memory Care Mobility Aids Accessible
Although walking workouts can improve balance and stability, it is still crucial to practice them safely. If you have mobility aids, like a walker or a cane, keep them within easy reach while you complete your walking workout. If you begin to fall, you will be able to grab onto the mobility aid to prevent serious injury.
Create Daily Movement Routines
When it comes to exercise, consistency is key. Whether you do a marching workout indoors or take advantage of local walking trails, getting some movement every day can keep you motivated.
Sometimes, you may have trouble with mobility or feel under the weather. In those instances, try to simply step outside and enjoy the grounds of your senior living community or take a short walk while conversing with friends.
Rest days are important, too. If you feel that you pushed yourself too hard during a walking workout, take a day or two to rest and recover.
Set Realistic Walking Goals
Walking may seem easy, but this assumption can be deceptive. Walking long distances right away may be more difficult than you think. Start small and work your way up to your ideal walking goals.
For instance, try walking a mile at first. For most seniors in relatively good health, this is an achievable goal. Then, increase your distance or step goals for every workout, giving yourself rewards for achieving micro-goals along the way.
Find Other Indoor Walking Venues
While working out from the comfort of your home has its perks, sometimes it can be boring to stare at the same television screen day after day. Consider finding other indoor areas where you can walk, such as a local fitness center or shopping mall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best App for an Indoor Walking Workout?
The best app for an indoor walking workout depends on your needs. Some apps have a simple interface and are designed for just tracking steps, while others provide workout guidelines and videos, along with a plethora of other health information.
Many apps have tiers, such as free or premium levels. Some premium apps require either one-time payments or monthly subscription fees to access certain features, so keep that in mind as you explore apps.
If you are technologically challenged, an app may not be the best option for you. Consider tracking your workouts through a traditional method, such as pen and paper, to avoid further confusion.
What Are Other Low-Impact Senior Fitness Ideas?
Although walking is a fantastic low-impact workout for seniors, it isn't the only option for fitting exercise into your daily routine. Changing your workouts can keep your motivation levels fresh and help you exercise different muscle groups.
Some low-impact workouts for seniors other than walking include:
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Hiking
- Lifting weights
- Stretching
- Zumba
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Barre
Does Walking Indoors for Older Adults Help You Lose Weight?
It can. The rule of thumb for weight loss, barring medical conditions that may cause weight fluctuation, is that the calories you consume must be fewer than the calories you burn, creating a calorie deficit.
Use an online calculator to estimate the number of calories you will burn during your indoor walking workouts. Always round down rather than up, as these calculators often cannot include every factor that influences calorie counting.
If you do not notice results within a few months, it may be time to meet with a nutritionist or a weight loss coach. Ask your doctor about testing to see if you have insulin resistance or other issues that may prevent you from losing weight.
Glendale, WI Senior Wellness at Discovery Commons North Shore
Finding the right indoor walking workout can expand your fitness horizons and allow you to cultivate a lifestyle of wellness. With these tips, you can ensure that you reap the benefits of indoor walking workouts while also practicing safety and accountability.
At Discovery Commons North Shore, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents. We offer exclusive amenities, such as meals prepared daily by a team of talented chefs and fitness programs designed for our senior residents. A rotation of activities and events emphasizes our dedication to both mental and physical wellness.
Are you ready to transition to assisted senior living or memory care? Reach out to us today to learn more about our beautiful campus, or visit us in Glendale, WI, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!