Indoor Walking Ideas for Seniors in Broken Arrow Independent Living
Indoor walking can be a safe and low-impact way for seniors to stay active. If they're consistent, they'll experience better balance, heart health, mobility, and ultimately, they'll have more independence.
According to America's Health Rankings, 24.2% of American adults reported doing no physical activity or exercise in the past 30 days (besides their regular job). Being sedentary can have detrimental results, especially for older adults. A deterioration of physical health can lead to a loss of independence, which can then have an impact on their mental health.
To prevent this from happening, you should focus on senior fitness in Broken Arrow, OK. And one great way to start is with indoor walking.
Read on to see what this exercise is and how you can get into it.
What Is Indoor Walking?
Indoor walking is a type of low-impact movement you can do inside. For most seniors, this would be inside their own homes, but you can also do indoor walking in a senior living community, a mall, or a gym.
What's great about walking indoors is that it's not dependent on weather conditions or outdoor terrain. As a result, you can participate all year round, especially when you can't do fun summer activities outdoors anymore.
In addition, it's a flexible exercise that you can do at your own pace. This means that it's highly customizable.
Is Walking Indoors Effective?
Yes, walking for aging adults can be effective. It's true that you don't get the same variety of scenery as you would with outdoor walking, but the truth is that you can get many of the same health benefits.
For example, you'll experience better cardiovascular health, as well as a boost in mood and energy. If you combine it with mindfulness meditation, then you'll see a tremendous improvement in your mental health.
Plus, indoor walking is extremely good for consistency. Since you don't have to travel or go outdoors, there's rarely an excuse for skipping your workout.
Benefits of Indoor Walking for Seniors
Of course, indoor walking is excellent for movement, but it can do much more than that. It directly supports long-term independence, and it's outstanding for your overall well-being too.
The key benefits you can get from this exercise are:
- Balance and fall prevention
- Better joint health
- Enhanced cognitive health
- Routine and structure
- Weight and blood sugar management
When you strengthen both your body and mind, you'll have a better quality of life in retirement.
How Seniors Can Get Started With Indoor Walking
All you really need to start are comfortable shoes and a clear space. But if you need more mobility support indoors, we have some advice.
First, clear pathways of clutter so you have a safe walking space. Also, the shoes you wear should be cushioned and non-slip.
The most important thing is that you start slow and steady with 5-10 minutes at a time. You can then gradually increase your sessions to 20-30 minutes daily.
If you're having trouble with timing, then use pacing techniques. For example, you can walk during TV commercial breaks or set a timer on your phone.
It can be beneficial to track your progress too. Mark your daily sessions with these things:
- Step counter
- Fitness app
- Calendar
Tips to Stay Motivated With Indoor Walking
One of the hardest things to do regarding exercise is staying consistent. You may feel motivated to walk every day for a week, but you may find your enthusiasm waning after that. Luckily, there are a few tips you can use to stick to it.
To keep your motivation high, try the following:
- Set achievable goals
- Walk with a partner
- Make it enjoyable with music, audiobooks, or podcasts
- Mix up your routines
- Reward yourself after hitting weekly milestones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Lose Weight by Doing Indoor Walking?
Yes, you can lose weight by doing indoor walking, but only if you burn enough calories (even brisk walking for 20-30 minutes a day can help). This means pairing the walking with a balanced diet and being consistent with both.
Is Walking in Your House as Good as Walking Outside?
Walking outside can provide you with fresh air and changing scenery, but walking indoors can give you a safer, more controlled environment. Obviously, both have their benefits, so it's good to use a mixture of indoor and outdoor walking to be as healthy as possible.
How Long Should Seniors Walk Indoors Each Day?
The CDC says that older adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which works out to 30 minutes a day for five days a week. But if that feels like too much for you, break the 30 minutes/day into 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day.
Do I Need Any Equipment for Indoor Walking?
Besides comfortable and supportive shoes, you don't need any equipment for indoor walking. Some optional things you can use to increase intensity are:
- A treadmill
- Indoor walking DVDs
- Light weights
Can Indoor Walking Improve Balance and Prevent Falls?
Yes, regular indoor walking does the following to reduce the risk of falls:
- Strengthens leg muscles
- Improves posture
- Enhances coordination
To further improve your balance, you can add simple balance drills, like standing on one leg for short periods.
Is Indoor Walking Safe for Seniors With Health Conditions?
Yes, indoor walking is considered a safe senior exercise for the most part, even for those who have health conditions. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor before beginning any sort of exercise, including walking indoors.
Get Started on Better Fitness
Many Americans aren't physically active enough, and that may include you. But it's never too late to change that.
With something simple like indoor walking, you can work on your fitness, all without overexerting yourself. Over time, you'll experience better mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Plus, you'll find a routine that you enjoy, and it won't be difficult to keep up with your physical health at all.
Contact us today for more information about senior living in Broken Arrow, OK. Morada Broken Arrow has a long-tenured chef on staff who cooks restaurant-style meals daily for our residents.