Chair Exercises for Senior Citizens

Chair exercises for seniors (also called chair aerobics) provide a way to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are a variety of exercise programs available, on tape, on television, or at local establishments. Chair exercises can also include using the chair as a balancing aid while you stand up, hold onto the chair, and perform an exercise.

Benefits

According to Sit and Be Fit, senior citizens can maintain muscle tone, improve overall health, and improve spinal strength by using chair exercises. They can also increase alertness. Other health benefits include pain relief, an improved range of motion in the joints and muscles, and increased energy levels. There also is less impact on the joints during this form of exercise, according to Debbie LaCroix of LoveToKnow. Chair exercises result in improved vitality and also increase your metabolism.

Upper Body Exercises

Arm or elbow circles will work out your arms. Bend your arm at the elbow and lift it up. Make a circular motion. Punching movements are a good chair exercise for seniors. Lift your arms and extend them forward. Turn your wrists back and forth. Repeat. Finger stretching is another good exercise. Pull back on your fingers until you feel a stretch. Repeat.

Lower Body Exercises

Doing a variation of jumping jacks will provide a good cardiovascular workout while also exercising your lower body. Place your feet on the floor, with feet apart. Sit up straight. Lift your legs, straighten them out, and cross them in the air. Place them on the floor crossed. Lift again, uncross, and lower. Repeat. Leg kicks are also good exercise. Kick your leg forward and return. Repeat.
Do foot bounces by lifting your heel while your feet are flat on the floor.

Where to Find Exercises

There are a variety of options available for you to choose from if you decide to get started doing chair exercise. There usually are classes held at local YMCA or YWCA centers. Classes are also given in retirement communities as part of the activity program. You may want to check with your local community to see if you can get involved. Senior centers offer another resource, with monthly activity schedules to help local seniors stay active and meet others. Chair exercises are commonly scheduled on a regular basis.

Considerations

It is important to stretch before any chair exercise session. This provides for a good warmup. You should also check with a medical professional first, to prevent any injury or potential harm.

References

• Sit and Be Fit

Resources

• chair exercises

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