Exercise Videos for Seniors: What to Look For and Where to Start Safely
Exercise videos for seniors can be a great resource for staying active. You can find a variety of videos online or through apps, and many of them are free. Finding workouts you enjoy and that match your fitness level, will help ensure you get the most from your exercise routine.
Peoria, AZ, averages 300 days of sunshine a year and is a prime location for outdoor recreation. With summer temperatures regularly topping 100 degrees, though, you may sometimes need indoor activities.
Videos are a great way to find ideas for home workouts for seniors. You can find exercises that keep you engaged and on track to reach your fitness goals.
How Should a Senior Start Exercising?
Once you've committed to becoming more physically active, you may wonder how to start. The key is to get informed and increase your activity level slowly and gradually. Look for exercise videos that help you build up your fitness level one step at a time.
Talk with Healthcare and Exercise Professionals
First, schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional and a certified personal trainer. They will evaluate your current health and activity level so they can suggest a plan for incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. You can ask your doctor if there are any exercises or activities you should avoid based on your health history.
Increase Physical Activity Gradually
To reduce the risk of injury and maximize your sense of accomplishment, increase your level of physical activity gradually. Start with lower-intensity exercises that feel comfortable at your current fitness level. Then, you can slowly increase the frequency and intensity of those exercises while also increasing the duration of your exercise sessions.
Set Goals and Track Your Progress
Setting specific, realistic goals can help you stay motivated. Your goals for online fitness over 70 will be different than goals over 60 or over 80.
You can use a device like a fitness watch or keep a written log to track your progress. You may enjoy sharing your successes and setbacks with a friend or your healthcare professional. If you encounter any obstacles, ask your healthcare professional or personal trainer to help you find solutions.
Finding Exercise Videos for Seniors
You have several ways to find exercise videos for seniors. No matter which platform you choose, be sure to choose videos that match your fitness level.
YouTube
YouTube hosts a wide variety of exercise videos for older adults that you can access for free. Some content creators also have websites where you can find more digital wellness tools.
Senior-focused organizations like AARP and SilverSneakers offer exercise videos on YouTube and their own websites. Some content is only available if you're a member of the organization, though.
Apps
A variety of apps can help you reach your fitness goals. Seeing a video on your smartphone may be a challenge, so apps are a better solution if you have a smart TV or larger device like a tablet or laptop. One advantage of an app is that many of them let you customize your workout plan.
Several senior fitness apps are free, such as:
- Apple Fitness+
- My Fitness Pal
- Nike Training Club
- 7 Minute Chi
- SilverSneakers Go
- Yoga for Seniors
Other apps will give you a free trial before you need to purchase them, like Chair One Fitness.
DVDs
If you would rather avoid apps and streaming, you can order exercise DVDs from Amazon. Most of the DVDs let you preview a short section of the video to help you decide if it will be a good fit. Some sets come with resistance bands and a notebook to track your fitness.
What Is the Safest Exercise for Seniors?
The activities that fit the definition of safe senior exercise depend on your fitness level and health situation. Look for videos from reputable sources designed for older adults.
In general, low-impact exercises are safest. Video categories to try include:
- Indoor walking
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Pilates
- Tai chi
- Dancing
- Strength training, with resistance bands or your body weight
Avoid exercises that require strenuous exertion, like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and abdominal crunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Number One Exercise for Elderly People?
Many exercises can be a good fit for older adults. Walking is one of the most popular forms of physical activity, with AARP reporting that 55% of adults age 50 and older do one or two walking activities each week.
Walking may not be enough to maintain your total fitness, though. Strength training and balance exercises are also important. Videos with home workouts for seniors can help you find strength and balance exercises to add to your routine.
What Is the Best Free Exercise App for Seniors?
The best free fitness app for older adults depends on your goals and the type of exercise you prefer. You can find free apps with videos for cardio exercise, strength training, balance exercises, yoga, tai chi, or dancing. Many apps let you customize your workouts to fit your needs.
You can ask friends for recommendations or look at online reviews to discover which apps might be the best for you.
What Is the 3 3 3 Rule for Working Out?
The 3 3 3 workout rule is a way to decide what type of workout to do each day. It's trending because it helps ensure you get a good balance of strength training and cardio exercise with enough time for recovery.
With this method, you have three days of strength training, three days of cardio, and three days of rest or gentle activity. Try to avoid doing the same type of workout two days in a row for the best results.
Try Tech-Friendly Senior Fitness
Exercise videos for seniors can be a great resource for your fitness journey. You'll find many types of workouts, whether you're a beginner or you've been working out for years. The key is finding videos you find enjoyable and will continue to watch.
Independent living at Vista del Rio in Peoria is the ideal environment to pursue your active lifestyle. Our community features a busy activities and events calendar, which includes a walking club, Tai chi, and stretching. You'll also enjoy our walking paths, heated pool, and on-site fitness center.
Schedule a tour of Vista del Rio today and see why so many of your neighbors come home to one of our newly renovated apartments.