The benefits of exercise for seniors are well-established. Studies have demonstrated time and time again that moderate physical activity is the most significant contributor to health and longevity.
Perhaps most impactful is not merely the physical benefits of exercise – which include improved mobility, strength, energy, and years to life – but instead the impact those benefits can have on our quality of life. Isn’t the freedom to live a more active, healthful life what we all really want?
Let’s talk about how we can move better…to live better.
Key Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
Exercise is important for all ages, from young children to adults. Maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge, but it only takes a commitment of just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5 days a week to hugely impact the length and overall quality of our lives.
Although exercise is important for everyone, numerous studies show that a regular exercise routine is especially important for seniors:
Reduces risk of disease – arguably one of the most important reasons to exercise as we age is to offset the risk of disease. Physical activity has been shown to prevent or reduce symptoms of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
Helps maintain muscle and bone density – As we age, our bones and muscles begin to lose strength and density. Resistance strength training can help to strengthen muscles around the joints and improve overall bone health.
Improves balance – Exercise helps to improve balance and coordination in adults which helps reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.
Maintains positive mental health – a regular exercise routine has been shown to reduce levels of depression and anxiety in older adults, in particular, and improve their overall quality of life.
Supports everyday activities – When we strengthen our muscles and bones and improve our ability to move freely, it makes everyday activities more enjoyable. Exercise can help us be more active in family activities, carry groceries with ease, work in the yard, and pick up our grandchildren. More than just preventing disease – exercise helps to find more joy in a healthy and active lifestyle!
What is the Best Kind of Exercise for Seniors?
Low-Impact Cardio Exercise
The first key tip to exercise for seniors is to avoid high-impact activities. Exercises like running on the treadmill or lifting heavy weights can compress and put unnecessary stress on the joints. This stress can lead to heightened pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility.
The best advice to gain all the benefits of exercise without causing pain is to go low-impact. Low-impact exercises reduce pain on the joints and still provide a great workout for major health benefits. Exercises that are low-impact often include a seated position that takes full body weight off the joints and keeps joints in proper alignment throughout the movement.
Full Body Strength Training
Older adults should incorporate strength training into a weekly exercise routine to maintain muscle strength and functionality. The regular practice of engaging muscles in the upper and lower body helps support our bodies in everyday activities and encourage coordination and stability.
As a reminder, lifting heavy weights is not needed to build functional strength in the body – resistance strength training is ideal for seniors to properly strengthen muscles while avoiding potential injury.
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer combines the benefits of cardio, resistance strength training, and joint-friendly exercise into one total body workout, making it the perfect machine for older adults to improve their physical health.
Why is the FreeStep Ideal for Low-Impact, Full Body Exercise?
1. Takes the load off knees, ankles, hips, and back
The Teeter FreeStep follows a smooth linear path – rather than a cyclical motion that can cause joint strain – for a more natural stepping motion that eliminates stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and back. Plus, the unique stride reduces motion of the back and hips for better stability
2. Brings Physical Therapy Technology home
The FreeStep provides Physiotherapy exercise for home use at an affordable price. Teeter is the only home-use company with Patented Stride Technology, which allows you to get a zero-impact, full-body workout that you just can’t find from other home recumbent options.
3. Offers stability and security
With a comfortable seat and easy access frame, the FreeStep provides the opportunity for a total body workout without worrying about balance or stability issues.
4. Combines cardio and full-body strength training
The FreeStep strengthens both the upper and lower body simultaneously and features adjustable settings that let you target different muscle groups. With the ability to distribute muscle exercise and alternate muscle focus, you’re able to avoid muscle fatigue for an effective workout that FEELS EASIER.
5. Burns more calories than a standard recumbent bike
With the FreeStep, you’ll get more out of your workout time! In a study, the FreeStep is proven to burn 17.4% more calories than a recumbent bike during the same amount of time — that means you get the benefit of 7 recumbent bike workouts in just 5.8 workouts on the FreeStep!
Watch the video below to learn more:
At Teeter, we’re passionate about making exercise accessible, easy and fun for all. The FreeStep helps everyone, regardless of age or athleticism, get back into fitness with full body, feel-good exercise.
Try the FreeStep at home – feel better, move better, and live better.
The Most Effective Low-Impact Workout
Unlike other recumbent options, the Teeter FreeStep™ provides an effective full body workout by combining the upper and lower body into one impact-free motion that is easier on the joints than typical cardio machines - so you can get an amazing workout, without the pain.
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