9 Chair exercises every senior should know

Clinical Editor: Megan Dodson, PA-C

As our bodies age, exercise may become increasingly difficult due to limited mobility, balance, disabilities or more. No matter the limitations however, chair exercises are a great option to help you live your healthiest life at any age.

Regular exercise is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Our body reaps a number of benefits from regular exercise that lead to better physical health, bone strength, joint functionality, mental health and more.

As we grow older however, our bodies naturally begin to age over time, often leading to decreased mobility and overall strength. At this point, regular exercise may become increasingly difficult, in turn leading to possible health complications such as weight gain and a higher risk of heart disease as a result of a more sedentary lifestyle.

Yet, despite such challenges, there is always a way to get moving, and never a bad time to start! So what's one of the best ways seniors can start an exercise routine? Look no further than this common household item: a chair.

When it comes to exercise, chairs make for a great option given that they are versatile and stable. What's more, anyone, at any level of exercise can do these workouts and reap the benefits of stronger joints, muscles and better balance. Chair exercises are also great for disabled adults, or adults that may have trouble with standing or walking. Before starting, be sure to use a chair that does not have wheels. If you do not have a chair that you can use, any piece of furniture that is stable, which you can grab onto works just as well.

With the right exercises, your chair becomes one of the best pieces of exercise equipment for seniors. Below, we will discuss some great exercises that work your arms, legs and core. However before diving in, it's crucial that we discuss the importance of safety. While these exercises are done in a chair, every exercise may prove to be more or less difficult for some folks.

While doing these exercises, it's especially important to listen to your body as you do not want to overwork yourself. Placing too much stress on your body can lead to serious injury. While these may be seated exercises, they can still place enough stress on your muscles and body that it may cause injury. Be sure to start slow and small. Exercise is a process, and it's important you gradually work out to a point where you are comfortable. Above all, before starting any of these exercises, be sure to discuss options with your doctor to find out what route is best for you.

Lastly, make sure that you breathe! When exercising, it can be easy to hold your breath. Yet, breathing is essential for good form and injury prevention. When doing these exercises, be sure to keep a steady rhythm of breathing to get the most out of your workout.

At One Medical Seniors, we practice patient-centric care to ensure our patients feel empowered and in control of their health journey. With these exercises, you'll be able to do just that. Here's the list of chair exercises every senior should know.

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