Seniors who want to do winter exercise indoors in Visalia, CA, have plenty of options. They include chair yoga, indoor walking, resistance band strength training, tai chi, and low-impact indoor cycling.
According to Weather Spark, the daily low temperatures in Visalia, CA, for the winter are around 41°F, and they rarely fall below 30°F or exceed 51°F. For older adults, this can be quite chilly, and it can discourage them from exercising outdoors.
But just because it's winter doesn't mean you should stop moving. In fact, there are many winter exercise options you can explore! These enable you to keep up with physical activity, no matter how cold it gets, so you can look after yourself better all year long with California senior exercise.
The best indoor workout for seniors who want to stay indoors during the winter is one that builds strength, flexibility, and balance without stressing their joints. So on that note, chair yoga can be one of the best ways for you to get indoor movement for aging during colder months.
Chair yoga can help improve:
And because you do this exercise while seated, it's great if you have limited mobility, arthritis, or balance issues. In addition, chair yoga can reduce stress and support better breathing, as yoga is often done in combination with deep breathing exercises.
Some ideas you can do for your routine are:
You now have chair yoga on the list, but what other cold-weather activity for seniors should you consider? Here are our top choices.
Indoor walking is always a good pick; if you have a clean house, it's much safer, and you're not at the mercy of the weather. Plus, if you get tired, you're right there at home, so you don't have to go anywhere or expend more energy to get back.
If you get bored at home, you can make things more interesting by doing indoor walking at the Visalia Mall. It's climate-controlled and well-lit, so you can walk at your own pace and stop for breaks while enjoying window shopping.
Resistance band strength training is excellent if you want to build muscle strength without straining your joints. Not only are resistance bands lightweight and easy to use at home, but they're also inexpensive, so you can get a whole set without breaking the bank.
Exercises you can do with the bands include:
What's great is that you can complete a full-body routine in just 15-20 minutes, so it won't eat up much of your day. If you keep up with it, then you can maintain bone density, improve balance, and support daily mobility.
Staying active in the winter doesn't necessarily mean that you have to get the blood pumping with intense activity. One great example of this is tai chi, as it's a gentle and flowing exercise. There are slow and controlled movements, so it's safe for older adults with arthritis or limited flexibility.
The movements in tai chi can teach you to have better balance, which can help with fall prevention. This practice can also help with mental health by grounding you and reducing stress and anxiety.
For joint-friendly fitness that gets your heart rate up, try a stationary bike. It's more intense than the other suggestions on this list, but you won't stress your joints.
You can go at your own pace while:
Even if you do ten to 20 minutes a day, a few times a week, this can improve your endurance, as well as your mood and overall fitness.
If you have back pain, then opt for a recumbent bike instead. It has a supportive backrest that reduces strain on the lower back.
Luckily, there are plenty of enjoyable winter options that can keep retirees active, social, and comfortable in the winter.
For example, you can spend time at local senior centers, which have:
You can also explore hobbies, whether they're old or new. Or focus on home projects that you've long neglected.
If you're somewhere with a mild wintertime climate, such as Visalia, CA, you can still go outside for walks in areas such as Mooney Grove Park. Or opt for indoor attractions like the ImagineU Museum or local libraries.
Good indoor winter hobbies should be activities that promote creativity, mental fitness, and relaxation. For example, you can:
If you aren't sure where to start, you can always take classes to see what sticks. Plus, you can stay social and make friendships with like-minded seniors.
The National Institute on Aging says that the heat should be at least 68°F indoors. For some older adults, even temperatures from 60°F to 65°F can lead to hypothermia. Even if you don't get hypothermia, it's possible to experience stiff joints or respiratory problems.
So don't try to be frugal and set the thermostat low. Instead, ensure that your home's temperature is at least 68°F and that you use:
When the colder months settle in, you may not feel like moving around much. But winter exercise is just as important as other physical activity, if not more.
Seniors tend to experience more pain and stiffness in the winter, and exercise can counteract these things. So not only can you get relief, but you can also keep your body strong.
Would you like more information about senior living in Visalia, CA? Then contact us today. At Marbella Visalia, we provide delicious and healthy meals that are certified by a registered dietitian.