5 easy exercises to keep you feeling GREAT in Retirement! ACTIVE RETIREES ARE HEALTHIER & HAPPIER!
A healthy life is not all about exercise, although exercising is very important as we age. It’s also about having a happy & positive mind-set. This is an “inside job”. Only YOU can change your attitude and put a smile on your face. Read uplifting and positive books and articles, start a “gratitude” journal, spend time with your friends doing anything you enjoy. Just get happy!
“When things change within you, things change around you!!”
Having good health at any time of your life is a true blessing, but it’s especially so, in your later years. It is also true that some of our good health is up to us.
Exercise is one of those components that gives us great health rewards. Even mild exercise improves your body AND your mind. Check out these 5 easy exercises and try to work some of them into your daily life.
Walking for Life
Walking is something almost anyone can do. Set a goal for yourself. You can start with walking a 1/2 block , 1/2 mile or whatever distance you can. Walk outside, if possible, because changes in your scenery will change your mind & attitude. If you can’t walk outside, try to walk inside your home or even go shopping and walk around the store or shopping center. The important idea is just “ Do It”. Even a little walk every day will make a big difference in how you feel. If you have to walk with a walker or cane, why not ask a friend to walk with you. You’ll get your exercise AND you’ll have a great social experience. All good for that positive mind set!
Easy Arm Exercises
Strengthen your arms by lifting weights. Start with 1/2# or even less. Do 5- 10+ repetitions in the beginning & build up to 20.
1. Front curls (hold the weights in your hands , with elbows close to side & lift up & down).
2. Side lifts (holding the weight in your hands, with arms at the sides, lift straight up, to the side, as high as you can.
3. Back Presses ( holding your arm straight, press your arm back as far as possible with the weight) These all help keep your arms and shoulders flexible. If you don’t have weights, use a soup or other can from your pantry.
Flex Your Knees
Our knees are the other part of our bodies that take a “beating” over our lifetime. So many seniors end up having knee surgeries &/or replacements. If you are one of the fortunate ones who haven’t had serious problems with your knees, a little pro-active exercise may help you avoid surgery.
1. Standing Knee bends, again 5-10 reps, are pretty simple. Hold onto the back of a straight-backed chair and bend your legs at the knee, one at a time, in a back-ward motion. Though this is simple, it keeps flexibility in your knees.
2. Knee Raises, are also good for flexibility. Sitting in a straight- backed chair, raise each leg, while bent at the knee, the 5-10 reps.
Ride A bike
Bike riding is another exercise that keeps you moving. If you don’t feel comfortable riding a 2- wheeler, try riding a 3-wheeler. These are widely available and are seen in senior communities everywhere. Just remember to wear a helmet for protection.
Sports Keep You Moving
Other exercises that can keep you moving are to participate in whatever SPORTS you like and have the ability for. Golf, tennis , pickle ball, swimming, line dancing, all keep you moving, create social interaction and are FUN!!!
Make your Health your top Priority
Remember: ACTIVE RETIREES ARE HEALTHIER & HAPPIER!!
Stay well. Ri