Chair Exercises for Seniors

Exercise is incredibly important for seniors to be able to maintain muscle strength and balance. Many seniors also are at risk of being overweight, so exercise helps to control fat build up and keeps weight off. However, not all seniors are fortunate enough to retain the physical strength and health of others. For seniors confined to a wheelchair or for those with low levels of physical strength, chair exercises for seniors may be the best option available for senior exercise.

Chair exercises for seniors, by nature, are generally simple exercises that are designed to increase muscle strength and flexibility. These exercises will also increase heart rate and give seniors an energy boost for the day. Before exercising, seniors will want to thoroughly stretch their limbs to prevent pulled muscles and other injuries during a workout. Seniors in wheelchairs may find that exercises like air punching can be a good workout for arms and shoulders. However, use caution when performing this activity, as the motions should be slow and deliberate. Quick punches may be too stressful on a senior's elbow and joints. Another exercise that works arm and shoulder muscles are arm circles. Spread your arms straight out and move them in small circles forwards and backwards.

There are also chair exercises for seniors that build leg strength. These can include kicking of the legs, which should be performed slowly like air punching. Seniors confined to a wheelchair can also tap or kick feet to music if they appreciate a more dance-like style of exercise. Finally, some seniors interested in exercising their legs can, if possible, perform seated chair squats. Simply extend both arms straight forward from the body and stand up, keeping both the back and shoulders straight. Then, sit back down, using the knees to bend back.

Seniors looking for an alternative form of exercise that may be easier on joints should investigate aquatic therapy exercises.