Having an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay healthy and maintain the level of energy and fitness you need to keep up with your grandkids. However, problems like arthritis and recurring injuries make it difficult to jog, play sports, or participate in other activities that have a repetitive, pounding action on your joints. Instead, turn to low-impact exercises that get you moving without putting too much stress on your body.
Cycling: Find a friend and a cruising cycle and head out on your local bike trails for some wonderful time outside getting low-impact exercise. You’ll work mostly your thighs, plus your heart and lungs of course! If you have trouble sitting on a traditional bike seat, try a recumbent stationary bike at your local gym. These have a wide, flat seat with a back to help provide support as you pedal with your legs extended toward the front of the bike.
Trampoline Workouts: Running on a treadmill or on other hard surfaces can put a lot of stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet as they have to absorb the shock of every stride you take. If you want to get an effective cardio workout, look into trampolines as your personal shock absorbers. Jogging in place on a trampoline is much lower impact because the springs absorb the impact of each step you take. Other types of activities that are perfect for trampolines include bouncing up and down, which strengthens all of your leg muscles, and bouncing from side to side, which works your core.
Water Aerobics: Exercises in the water are perfect for grandmas because the water holds a lot of your body weight, taking the stress off of your feet and joints. Plus, water provides the perfect resistance for a wide range of cardiovascular and toning exercises. If swimming laps isn’t your thing, try a water aerobics class instead. An instructor will lead you through a long series of activities to build strength and endurance, and classes are the perfect place to chat with other grandmas while you exercise. Many gyms even have classes designed specifically for people with arthritis or other joint issues.
Yoga and Pilates: Maintaining your flexibility is important for being able to participate in a wide range of activities, so you should incorporate some stretching into your exercise routine. Pilates classes are the perfect way to participate in active, gentle stretching that also works to strengthen your core muscles. Yoga is also an option, although you’ll need to have good balance to get the most out of it. Start with a beginner class and work your way up as you build balance and strength.
Rowing and Kayaking: If you’re lucky enough to live near the water, you can actually head out in a canoe or kayak to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air. Canoes are also perfect for heading out with your honey for a romantic ride on the lake. Alternately, just use an indoor rowing machine, which includes not only the pulling motion to strengthen your arms and back, but also a leg component.
In addition to being low impact and keeping your joints in good condition, these exercises also have many other health benefits. Any type of cardiovascular exercise can help ward off heart disease, losing a bit of weight may help fight diabetes, and developing strength can help you stay active for many years to come. Try something new today, but be careful to take it easy at first and make sure your body and joints are responding well.
About the Author:
Danielle blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses. Trampolines are her favorite type of exercise equipment, followed closely by treadmills.
Read her work at eatbreatheblog.com
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