Indoor walking is a fantastic workout option for seniors due to its numerous benefits and even as a mechanism for weight loss. Indoor walking tips can help seniors in Hockessin, DE, with independent living wellness.
The American Heart Association reports that walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise. It is easy, almost anyone can do it, and it does not require expensive equipment. What's not to love?
For seniors in Hockessin, DE, indoor walking can be a fulfilling workout that provides numerous benefits, without the added stressors of walking outside. Read on to learn more about the benefits of indoor walking, as well as tips to help you make the most out of your workouts.
Walking by itself is one of the most versatile workouts to add to your rotation, but indoor walking has unique advantages, such as:
Indoor walking is also a fantastic tool for weight loss. Paired with a calorie deficit, it can help strengthen your muscles and burn excess calories without having to complete strenuous workouts.
As part of an overall weight loss plan, indoor walking can help you sustain motivation and incorporate exercise into your new healthy lifestyle.
Are you anxious to begin indoor walking, but do not know how to get started? Here are some key tips to consider as you embark on your journey.
With any form of exercise or lifestyle change, consistency is key. If you give up after the first few workouts, you will not see the long-term progress that you crave.
Rest days are all right, but try to get in some form of movement every day, even if it is just doing a few minutes of a walking workout or walking around your assisted living apartment.
It may be tempting to go barefoot or wear socks while completing your walking workouts at home, but this can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. The proper footwear ensures that you do not suffer from discomfort or injury after your walking workouts.
If you're unsure of how to find the right pair of shoes, visit a foot doctor and also take a look at your local athletic supply store. Often, store associates have knowledge of the brands and types of shoes, so they can narrow down your choices.
Online shopping is more convenient, but trying on shoes in person is crucial to ensure that you have the correct fit. For seniors with dexterity or mobility issues, the shoes also need to be easy to slip on and remove, so shoelaces will not hinder your ability to work out.
Always keep water next to you during your workouts and take frequent sips. Though walking is not as strenuous as other forms of cardio, it still produces sweat, which means your body loses its hydration more rapidly than normal.
Consider adding flavored electrolyte packets to your water bottle if you have trouble consuming enough liquids. These can provide the added benefit of boosting your body's absorption of nutrients.
If you have mobility aids, keep them close by as you complete your indoor walking workout. You will have something to grab onto if you lose your balance or fall.
Exercise is always better with friends. Although a solo workout can provide more focus, group exercise fosters lifelong friendships and promotes accountability, which is vital for maintaining a routine.
Check online or in local community centers to see if there are any advertisements for walking groups. Senior centers and library bulletin boards are great locations to start, as these options are usually free or low-budget as well.
If you cannot find any nearby group walking resources, consider starting your own. Put up flyers or notices in your senior living community and see if any other residents are interested. You may be surprised by the turnout.
A huge advantage of creating an indoor walking group within your assisted living community is that you can easily visit your fitness friends or form impromptu workouts by walking around your senior living apartments in Hockessin.
Tracking steps looks different for everyone, and it depends on your level of comfort with technology and your fitness goals. For instance, if you just seek to track your steps, a simple pedometer might fit the bill. Wearable devices can be removed at the end of the day, and you can record your steps in a notebook or an online log.
For a more complete picture, consider downloading an app or using a smart watch to track your steps and aerobic activity. With these tools, you can also get an estimate of how many calories burned, and heart rate tracking is helpful to know when you reach certain stages of your workout.
Yes. Although indoor walking is lower-impact than many other forms of aerobic exercise, it is still a form of cardio. Since walking converts oxygen into energy, it fits the definition of aerobic activity.
Are you ready to add indoor walking to your workout regimen? With these indoor walking tips, you can have a thriving and active life, even in your golden years.
At The Summit, our dedicated staff provides our residents with plenty of memory care exercise routines, senior fitness ideas, and assisted living activities to promote health and well-being. Our exclusive programs include Sensations chef-prepared dining and Dimensions health and fitness, which emphasize the importance of senior wellness in every facet of life.
Do you want to make the transition to independent senior living, assisted living, or SHINE® memory care? Reach out to us today at The Summit to learn more, or visit our beautiful location in Hockessin, DE, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!