With winter creeping ever closer, the days are getting shorter, and there’s a noticeable chill in the air. For folks who aren’t fans of thick coats, winter hats, frostbitten noses, and frozen toes, it’s not the best weather in which to linger outside. That means that if you want to keep moving, it’s time to find active things to do indoors. Fortunately, with an open mind and a little ingenuity, there are plenty of possibilities.
Active Things to Do Indoors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages seniors to aim for at least 150 minutes of heart-pumping exercise each week. What kinds of active things to do indoors will give you a chance to move your body and have some fun while you’re at it?
Dancing
Think about the possibilities. You can grab a partner or hit the floor solo. You can take lessons and use a pattern of choreographed steps. Alternately, you can simply turn on some music and let it move your body in a spontaneous flow of fun. There’s no right or wrong way to dance, and there’s no reason to limit yourself to just one type of dance. Experiment, have fun, and keep moving.
Cleaning
Cleaning may not be the most fun task that you’ll check off your to-do list, but it is an opportunity to get your heart rate up and burn calories. If you have to do it, why not get the most out of it? Put a little extra oomph into it, and consider it part of your exercise routine.
Tai Chi
Tai chi may have originated in China as a martial art, but it’s found its way into countless rooms and parks around the world. Harvard Health Publishing suggests this slow, gentle, low-impact form of exercise should be described as “medication in motion” because it effectively addresses the key components of fitness. When it comes to muscle strength, tai chi offers improvements on par with brisk walking and resistance training. It also boosts both flexibility and aerobic conditioning. What about balance? Studies suggest tai chi practitioners may benefit from a reduced risk of falling.
Hula Hooping
Hula hoops aren’t just for kids. In fact, a quick online search is all it takes to discover adults and seniors performing amazing tricks with hula hoops. Others use them as a fun exercise aid. Trying to keep the hoop spinning around your hips or arms is just one challenge. You could also try to toss the hoop over targets. Alternatively, you can use the hoop as a target by setting it upright or laying it on the floor. Then, test your aim as you try to pitch items through it or inside it. How many different games can you come up with?
Walking
Walking is a simple but effective activity that requires no special skills or equipment, making it an ideal form of exercise for almost everyone. Take a turn through the halls or pace in your apartment. If you find yourself getting bored because you’re walking the same route, turn on the television or some music or call a friend on the phone while you get your steps in.
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Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where you can live out your golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and so much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!