Get your blood pumping during National Heart Month with these exercises.
In honor of National Heart Month, here are some simple, everyday cardio exercises for seniors that can help keep your heart healthy. Before trying any new exercise, always check with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you.
Incorporate these cardio exercises for seniors into your daily routine:
- Brisk walking
- Dancing
- Playing with pets or grandkids
- Swimming
- Following a home exercise video
- Bicycling
- Stair climbing
Learn more about how effective these cardio exercises for seniors can be to keep you healthy without putting undue stress on your body.
Brisk walking
Simply going for a nice long walk at a brisk pace can do wonders for your heart health! Regular walking lowers blood pressure and improves circulation, in addition to a host of other health benefits. Explore nature trails in your area or take a couple of laps around your block each morning to get fresh air and admire the scenery.
Dancing
You don’t have to be on an official dance floor to break out your moves to music! Whether your style is ballroom, swing, or even just “make it up as you go along,” dancing is an exercise with full-body benefits. The movement gets your heart pumping, while the various steps help improve your strength and balance.
Check out our list of dance exercises for seniors here.
Playing with pets or grandkids
Dogs and children share one big thing in common: they love to move and run. If you have a furry friend or a visiting grandkid, even just playing together can be a simple and fun form of exercise! Here are some fun ideas for exercising with your dog, including tug-of-war and frisbee. With grandkids, ideas will come naturally, whether you’re flying kites, playing hide-and-seek, or enjoying lawn games.
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent cardio exercise for seniors because it’s easy on the joints while still providing a challenging workout. You can do laps solo with various strokes or take a water aerobics class for your pool workout.
Following a home exercise video
Home exercise videos are great ideas for the wintertime when you may be stuck indoors more than usual. You can find an expansive variety of exercise videos to follow on YouTube or buy a workout DVD to play on your TV. Check out these at-home exercises to start!
Bicycling
Riding a bike has a host of benefits for seniors, including improving walking efficiency to the same level as people in their twenties! It’s another great low-impact choice for your joints, whether you’re enjoying an outdoor bike path or pedaling on a stationary bike. If you are using a traditional bike, don’t forget your helmet!
Stair climbing
If you have a two-story house or a basement, this is one exercise option that’s (literally) built right in! Every little bit of exercise helps, including simply walking up and down the stairs in your home. That extra trip up and down can get your heart pumping. Be sure to take it easy on the stairs, however, if you have any balance concerns.
Next, check out our other helpful heart health tips on the CapTel blog and prep some heart-healthy foods to enjoy after your workout!
