How to Stay Active Indoors

With the winter weather being in full swing these days, it may prove to be difficult to stay active. Even though outdoor physical activity may be limited, you can still stay active during the winter months- from the comfort of your own home!

Find below some ways to stay active indoors:

YouTube Exercise Videos

Websites such as YouTube have a wide variety of fitness videos- for free! If you search what type of exercise you are interested in as well as “for seniors” or something of that nature, you can find a vast library of fitness videos to choose from. Below are some possible YouTube searches to find exercise videos that work for you or the senior in your life:

• Yoga for Seniors
• Exercises for Older Adults
• 30 minute Workout for Beginners and Seniors
• 20 minute Home Workout Low Impact for Older Adults

SilverSneakers

SilverSneakers is a platform with both online and phone app options that has online exercises classes and workshops. SilverSneakers is available at no cost through select Medicare plans. This allows you to take guided exercise classes either live or on demand from the comfort of your own home. Check your eligibility here.

Fitness Apps

If you prefer to have all your exercise programs and information in one spot, it may be beneficial to find a fitness app that suits your needs. There are a plethora of fitness apps available with just a tap of a button. Below are some examples of the many fitness apps you can choose from.

• Tai Chi for Seniors: This app is all about the ancient Chinese practice that has been called “meditation in motion.” Tai Chi benefits both your mind and body, as it improves flexibility, increases muscle strength, and helps with balance and conditioning. This app features videos with step-by-step instruction from a tai chi master as well as audio guides. 
• Pocket Yoga: This app is an easy and not intimidating way to get into yoga. Yoga can help lower blood pressure, relieve stress, reduce back pain, and overall make you physically and mentally healthier. Pocket Yoga has illustrations and videos that demonstrate how to do over 200 poses designed by certified yoga instructors. 

Strength Exercises

While fitness videos and apps can guide you through a workout, you can also go at your own speed with some strength exercises. To increase your strength, you can do exercises using resistance bands, light hand weights, or even just your body weight. 

Light Hand Weight Exercises

Below are some examples of light hand weight exercises. Click each exercise for explanations and instructions- to make sure you are doing them safely and correctly. 

• Bicep curls
• Shoulder press
• Triceps Extension
• Lunges
• Front Raises
• Shoulder Squat

Body Weight Exercises

Body weight exercises can include push-ups, wall push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, leg squats, etc. 

No matter how you choose to stay active, be sure that you consult your doctor, as well as follow the specific instructions of each exercise you choose. Physical activity will not benefit you if you are doing it incorrectly, as you can hurt yourself.