Walking is a popular favorite exercise for senior citizens, but if you live in a climate with cold winters, it can quickly become an unpleasant ordeal. It might even be unsafe to go walking outside in rainy, snowy or icy conditions, as you’re much more likely to slip and fall. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay active in the winter! Here are 5 winter workout tips for senior living.
Walk Indoors
If you live in a city with a mall or indoor track, you can keep up your walking inside. The scenery isn’t as good, but add a friend or two and it can still be fun! If you prefer to walk alone, you can bring along a phone and headphones and listen to podcasts or music to make it more engaging.
Indoor Swimming or Water Aerobics
In the cold winter, a warm pool feels incredibly nice. Most gyms have indoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, and even steam rooms, which can be a welcome respite on a dreary day. Swimming and water aerobics are also some of the best exercises for seniors, so the pool can really be a great resource on a dreary day.
Work Out When It’s Light
As a retired person, you might have the chance to choose what time of day you exercise. If you can, choose a time of day when it’s light. Winter can mean dark mornings and dark evenings, and it’s hard to be motivated to move in the dark. Working out in the middle of the day might be a little easier, and feel a little more energetic.
Keep Warm
Working out in the cold can increase the risk of injury, as well as make it more difficult to get started. Make sure you dress warmly and/or exercise in a space where the temperature feels comfortable.
Stay Hydrated
We tend to feel thirsty when it’s hot outside, but it’s harder to drink water when the weather turns icy. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, because you’ll sweat and lose fluids even in cold temperatures. You can drink warm tea or even try drinking warm water.
With these quick winter workout tips for senior living, your physical fitness doesn’t have to suffer just because it’s cold and dark out there! Check out this post for more tips on the best exercises for seniors and how to start a fitness routine.
