An indoor walking workout allows seniors to exercise safely indoors. It also allows them to stay active from the comfort of their own home, regardless of the weather or other external safety concerns. Additionally, indoor walking offers seniors an opportunity to maintain their strength.
For seniors in picturesque Shelby, NC, nestled near Kings Mountain, outdoor exercise can feel invigorating. However, it's not always possible to get your steps in, especially if the weather won't permit. This is why many people tend to opt for indoor walking exercises.
With so many excellent options to choose from, it can feel difficult to know where to begin. This helpful article explains everything you need to know.
Yes, because it's a type of low-impact cardio exercise. When you walk indoors consistently, you may benefit from any of the following:
You don't have to walk for a full hour. Something as short as 15 to 20 minutes can help increase your energy levels. It's good to have a solid base and not push yourself too hard.
Another reason to consider walking indoors is that it can help seniors with balance. When older adults walk every day, they can improve their coordination.
When walking outdoors, you run the risk of encountering more safety hazards, but when you walk indoors, your environment is more controlled. You should always clear a path for yourself and remove clutter.
Indoor walking can help your mental health. If you enjoy tracking your fitness, consider counting steps or timing your laps to stay motivated. This keeps you mentally engaged while you work on improving your physical health and endurance.
If you like to walk outdoors with a group of friends, you can still socialize while walking indoors. For example, many people choose to walk around malls.
Indoor walking is also a great addition to assisted living fitness programs and memory care exercise routines, helping older adults stay engaged and active in a safe setting.
If you're a beginner, aim to walk ten to 15 minutes per indoor walking session. The goal would be to work up to exercising 30 minutes five times a week.
If it's easier, you should break your walk up into two increments. Remember to always pay attention to how you feel.
Don't overexert yourself and avoid pushing too hard. If you need to take a break, take one.
Be sure to stay hydrated. The signs of dehydration can sneak up on you, so be mindful of how you feel. Even if you don't feel thirsty, take frequent sips of water while exercising.
Walking indoors is about being consistent. It's about focusing on health and wellness, not intensity.
What matters is that you take steps to maintain your cardiovascular health every day. For seniors who walk indoors, they may feel that they are claiming a sense of independence.
The exact pace you walk indoors depends on your comfort level. You may vary your speed by walking faster or slower for one to two minutes. You may even want to swing your arms while walking to help incorporate other muscles.
For starters, always walk in a safe area. If it's inside your home, look for a space that's free from clutter.
When walking in a mall, go when there's not a lot of heavy foot traffic. Always have a water bottle handy.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with plenty of support and grip. This can help prevent falls from occurring. Additionally, comfortable shoes support your joints.
It's fun to track your progress, so consider using a pedometer. If you prefer not to carry a pedometer, consider using a smartphone app instead.
If you use a smartwatch, consider tracking your progress this way. Choose different indoor spaces to walk in, as this keeps everything fun and interesting.
Indoor walking can also be part of walking routines for older adults, offering consistent movement and mobility support while enhancing overall healthy movement for seniors.
Yes, one of the great things about indoor walking is that you don't have to walk fast to benefit from improved flexibility.
Walking engages the lower body and core muscles. Adding arm movements improves flexibility further. Always stretch before and after for the best results.
Before starting any exercise program, consult with your physician. On average, seniors with arthritis can walk comfortably indoors because it is a low-impact activity that doesn't stress the joints. If pain occurs, stop walking and consult a physician for clearance.
Yes. Indoor walking helps burn calories, which can aid in weight management. Eating a balanced diet is also important to complement exercise.
You can create a short circuit in a hallway or walk in one area. Even limited space allows for effective indoor walking.
Both work. Some prefer one continuous session, others break it into two. Do what is most comfortable for your routine and body.
This depends on personal preference. Music can make walking more enjoyable, and guided videos can help maintain pace. Use whatever helps you stay motivated.
Regular indoor walking improves balance, strengthens muscles, and enhances coordination. Over time, this can reduce the risk of falls and keep seniors active.
An indoor walking workout is an excellent way for seniors to stay in shape at home. If they want a change of scenery, consider taking a walk in a mall. Just ten to 30 minutes a day provides noticeable benefits for strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
At Terrabella Shelby, we strive to make exercise not only a part of our programs, but a part of our daily life. This is what makes our Dimensions Health & Wellness program so special. We offer seniors a way of getting in shape while socializing, something that's an absolute must for older adults.
If you're ready to experience the difference our community can make in the life of a senior, schedule a tour today.