The Budget Friendly Exercise for Seniors

We all know how important it is to exercise, but keeping up with your fitness goals can be a major challenge as you get older. Age brings limits, both physically and financially. Staying active can easily be an expensive endeavor — if not, they wouldn’t call it the fitness industry.

Fortunately, walking is a great exercise that will help seniors reach their goals without spending much — if anything — at all. Artesia Christian Home has come up with this article to help you understand the benefits of walking and learn how to incorporate this into your everyday life:

Gear Up

One of the many great things about walking is that it doesn’t require much in the way of gear. All you need are comfortable clothes, reliable shoes, and a place you can roam. Of these three, the shoes are, far and away, the most important component. If you’re walking regularly in ill-fitting shoes, you’re likely to wind up getting injured.

This is a major setback for anyone getting started on their fitness journey, but it can be devastating for seniors. A long recovery off your feet will make it much harder to get started again and can lead to dangerous health outcomes in the long run. Get off on the right foot by finding a great pair of shoes from the start. You can find great shoes for a good price online by finding a Nike promo code and other discounts for quality brands.

The Right Location

When it comes to places to walk, it all comes down to how long you want to walk and what makes you comfortable. When the weather is nice, you can stroll around your neighborhood or head to a local park. For the best trails and paved paths, consider looking into the private parks or nature centers in your area. These often ask for an entry fee, but membership is a great way to cut down on costs. They usually cost about as much as a couple of visits, so as long as you plan to go back a few times in the season, they’re well worth it.

When it’s rainy or cold, walking outside might not be comfortable or safe. Instead, find an indoor path you can enjoy. This might be tricky during the pandemic. However, there’s nothing wrong with strolling around your home while listening to a favorite album or television show. Once it’s safe to be out and about, malls and fitness centers are two great places for seniors to enjoy a nice long walk.

Knowing Your Limits

 

As you begin your journey with walking for exercise, it’s important to learn how to pay attention to your body. This is a great opportunity to begin a mindfulness practice. Dedicate five to ten minutes every day to bodily awareness, and practice noticing how your body feels. If you’re particularly sore or feeling uncomfortable after a walk, take a break for a day or so. It’s better to give your body time to rest than to risk getting hurt.

If you’re sore and it won’t go away, consider reaching out to your doctor. They can refer you to a physical therapist who can help you develop stretches and exercises to rebuild strength and gain stamina. Have them check before you go to make sure the new therapist is covered under your insurance. These kinds of specialists can be very pricey if you’re paying out of pocket, and you don’t want to wind up with an unexpected bill.

Walking is a great, low- or no-cost way to get up, get moving, and stay healthy. Learn to listen to your body and respect your limits, and make sure you’re using good gear to keep yourself safe. Once you’re all set, it’s time to hit the sidewalk and see where your feet take you!

If you or a loved one are looking for a place to enjoy a safe, healthy, happy retirement, take a 360° virtual tool at Artesia Christian Home today.

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