Keeping fit comes with plenty of benefits, especially as we age. Not only does regular exercise boost endorphins and naturally lift our mood, but it can also reduce the risk of major illnesses like heart disease and stroke. Strength training even has a positive effect on gait, mobility and balance.
Certain challenges with getting older can make the prospect of exercise intimidating for older adults. However, it’s important to encourage your loved one to get moving a little each day. There are plenty of videos online to guide them through a workout class, and today, we’ll explore the best for those over 60.
10 Minute Home Workout For Seniors by The Body Coach TV
The Body Coach TV is a popular online resource for easy, accessible workouts. This 10-minute equipment-free workout video is led by Pete Wicks, who many people know from his workouts during the 2020 lockdown. Your loved one might feel more at ease being led by a familiar face, especially if they’ve seen him on television.
The video involves five simple exercises that can easily be adapted depending on your loved one’s ability. It’s also equipment-free to avoid straining muscles too much, and rest breaks between exercises give them plenty of time to pace themselves.
10 Minute Indoor Walking Workout For Seniors by Yes2Next
Walking workouts are excellent for older adults who don’t feel comfortable completing strenuous exercises. It includes ten minutes of walking on the spot with incorporated arm movements, which can be adapted if your loved one needs to hold onto something for better balance or reassurance.
The video involves two people, bringing a friendly vibe to your loved one’s living room. Opened with a warm-up and closed with a cool-down, this walking workout protects the body by gently engaging muscles and getting the blood pumping without overexerting itself.
The Best 25 Minute Exercise Routine For Seniors Over 60 by Elderfit TV
The great thing about exercise is that it can be adapted to any skill level or overcome most challenges, as demonstrated by Elderfit TV’s video. This 25-minute video features plenty of exercises–most completed from the comfort of a chair. Seated exercises are an excellent way to encourage gentle movement without compromising safety.
This video features five people, all with different ages and mobility levels. Your loved one can choose a person similar to their ability and focus on following them, making the video more enjoyable and easier to complete.
If your loved one enjoys this exercise video, Elderfit TV has more than 140 other videos specifically for over 60s.
Senior Exercises At Home With Music by Move It or Lose It UK
Exercise is often more enjoyable with music, so get your loved one engaged and excited to move their body with a music-led workout. This video features a blend of chair and standing exercises, no jumping and balance-strengthening stretches. It’s friendly on the joints and suitable for older adults who want to improve their mobility.
Move It or Lose It UK is another excellent channel for seniors. Led by Julie, your loved one will leave the video feeling more confident and self-assured thanks to her gentle encouragement and friendly nature. Each video covers a warm-up for joint mobility and circulation.
5 Essential Exercises For Seniors Over 60 by Body Fix Exercises
If the idea of exercise worries your loved one due to limited mobility or an increased risk of falling, getting them started with a five-minute video might help boost their confidence and show them that they can do more than they originally thought. The instructor takes them through five simple exercises that can be completed from a chair or while standing.
The great thing about a five-minute exercise video is that your loved one can complete it every day at a time that suits them, without becoming daunted by a long video or tricky exercises. Each exercise has a different purpose, from aiding balance and strengthening muscles to reducing stooping and engaging the core.
Exercises For Seniors With Music From The 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s by Improved Health
Another music-led video, this one incorporates all your loved ones’ favourite music from past decades. Music is an excellent motivation tool, so if your loved ones enjoy the soundtrack, they’re much more likely to continue using online workout videos. There’s also limited talking from the instructor, so they can focus on the exercises rather than following spoken instructions.
This video is lively and energetic but still gentle on the joints and muscles. Everything can be adjusted depending on skill level, and exercises can even be completed from a chair if your loved one feels fatigued partway through. The Beats Per Minute (BPM) vary with each song, avoiding a tedious, repetitive routine.
Encouraging Your Loved One to Exercise at Home
Gentle activity every day offers countless benefits, but many older adults avoid it due to fear of falling or feeling tired and weak. However, strength training and light cardio can actually boost energy levels and reduce the risk of mobility-related injuries.
To encourage your loved one to exercise at home, consider:
- Finding an instructor they like: With so many workouts online, you should be able to find an instructor your loved one relates to and enjoys, encouraging them to work out more frequently.
- Investing in the right equipment: While an instructor might say you can use a can of beans as a weight, investing in the right equipment (e.g. resistance bands, a comfortable chair and light hand weights) can encourage your loved one to move.
- Working out with them: Completing a workout video gives you the opportunity to talk, laugh and experience a boost of endorphins together.
- Starting off slowly: There’s no need to rush into an hour-long workout class. Starting off slowly is much easier and more enjoyable, and reduces the risk of muscle strain.
- Getting the community involved: Exercise is more fun together, so why not set up a local group to work out as a community? Your loved one gets the opportunity to socialise with others and everyone benefits from a workout.
- Prioritising fun: Make sure your loved one knows that improving fitness is supposed to be enjoyable, and find a form of exercise (such as pilates or walking) that they genuinely like.
How Trinity Homecare Can Help
At Trinity Homecare, we’ve seen first-hand the difference a gentle exercise routine can make in the lives of clients over 60. Our one-to-one live-in and visiting carers can offer support through workout routines, perform exercises for moral support and assist with mobility to keep your loved one safe.
Our fully trained, compassionate carers provide:
- One-to-one support at home
- Completely bespoke live-in care that has been tailored to you
- Specialist care for a number of different circumstances
- Home carers carefully matched to your needs
- CQC rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in care services
Trinity Homecare aims to provide your loved one with the tools to lead a healthy lifestyle, maintaining independence and dignity at the forefront of everything we do.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
