How to Stay Fit & Cool This Summer: Indoor Exercises for Seniors

As the summer continues to heat up, you may be inclined to stay indoors and enjoy the cool comfort of home. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on working out, though. Staying active and maintaining your fitness levels year-round is important for your overall well-being, especially for seniors. 

With that in mind, we’d like to offer a list of five fun and easy exercises that allow you to stay fit, stay cool, and in some cases, stay seated! Before you begin, remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. 

1. Cardio Drumming, also known as DrumFIT, is a relatively new way to exercise and is all the rage these days. It combines the benefits of cardio workouts with the rhythmic beats of drumming. This low-impact exercise is perfect for seniors as it helps improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and overall body strength. Several RLC communities are now offering cardio drumming classes to residents. All you need is a stability ball and a pair of drumsticks to get started. If you’d like to try it at home, there are several resources available online. You could also tour an RLC community near you and try out one of our classes. We’d love to have you!

2. Yoga is renowned for its numerous health benefits, and chair yoga is a method of bringing those benefits to seniors or anyone who may have limited mobility. It’s a gentle form of yoga that can be performed while sitting on a chair or using it for support, rather than having to roll out a mat and exercise on the floor. Chair yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength while promoting relaxation and reducing stress. There are many free instructional videos online, as well as local studios that offer these types of classes. And similar to cardio drumming, RLC also offers chair yoga classes.

3. Seated Beachball Volleyball is a favorite among our residents. We bring the fun of beach volleyball indoors to our Main Street. This modified version of the game is played while seated, making it suitable for seniors with varying abilities. The objective is to keep a lightweight beach ball in the air using your hands, head, or even feet, while seated across from other participants. This exercise helps improve hand-eye coordination, upper-body strength, and social interaction. To play at home, just gather a group of friends, or invite the family over to enjoy this engaging and refreshing activity.

4. Dancing is a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun indoors! Look for dance classes or workshops tailored to seniors, such as line dancing, ballroom dancing, or even Zumba. You’ll not only improve your cardiovascular health but also enhance your balance, coordination, and cognitive function.

5. Indoor weight training may be one of the most obvious options for a cooler summer workout. Many local fitness centers offer discounts for seniors or participate in Silver Sneakers, which is available at no cost for adults 65+ through select Medicare plans. Be sure to ask about those programs. If you choose to live worry-free at RLC, all of our communities have indoor fitness areas with a nice variety of workout equipment. Our lifestyle director can show you how to use the machines correctly, and they will occasionally lead classes. Several of our communities also have local experts who come in and lead senior fitness classes and other fun activities! 

Don't let the summer heat hinder your fitness goals. Incorporating these simple indoor exercises into your daily routine can enhance strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

If you’d like to experience what independent retirement living feels like, we’re serious about our offer to take a tour, join us for a fitness class, or even enjoy a meal. Simply find a location near you, and call to schedule your visit. We can’t wait to meet you!