The three best exercises for seniors

It’s time to get up and get moving!

Not sure about an exercise plan? The options for exercise are endless and can range anywhere from a short yoga class to a few laps in the pool. If you are able to keep up a regular, active lifestyle, chances for diabetes and heart disease majorly decrease, especially as you get older. Here are three exercises that are a perfect match for seniors:

Toe and chair stands. Toe and chair stands are preferable for those trying to increase coordination and balance — thus reducing the chance for falls and broken bones. To perform the chair stand exercise, simply sit down in an armless chair. Then while keeping your back straight up and down, extend your arms straight out to the side and stand up without using the chair for support. Repeat 10-15 times. Click here to find out how to do toe stands.

Water aerobics. Exercise in the water can help reduce arthritis symptoms by putting less stress on the joints. Water also acts as a resistance, making it easy to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility and balance. There are several exercises that can be done while submerged in the water including aqua jogging, flutter kicks, leg lifts and arm curls. To perform the flutter kick, simply hold a kick board out in front of your body and flutter your legs across the length of the pool. This exercise can be done with or without a kick board.

Yoga. Not only is yoga extremely relaxing and a major stress reliever, it also is great for maintaining balance, joint flexibility, healthy muscle mass and a positive mental state. The sphinx pose is performed by lying down on your stomach and placing your forearms on your mat. Press into your arms and draw your shoulders together while taking deep breaths. This pose is wonderful for opening the chest and keeping the upper back strong. Other poses include the tree pose, downward facing dog and savasana.

Happy exercising!