5 Steps to Senior Fitness With Tai Chi
It’s a mistake to think that seniors can’t enjoy a rigorous fitness routine just because of age or limited physical activity. Studies have shown that tai chi provides plenty of health benefits at any age, but it is especially appropriate for seniors. It doesn’t require special equipment, it’s easy on the muscles and joints and it’s one of the best low-impact exercise programs out there.
Senior Care Philadelphia PA – 5 Steps to Senior Fitness With Tai Chi
Here are 5 steps to getting an elderly loved one ready for tai chi:
1. Locate Tai Chi Classes
There are lots of options when it comes to finding tai chi classes for seniors. Many fitness centers, recognizing the benefits of this exercise regimen, hold classes for all ages and fitness levels. Senior centers may also offer classes in tai chi for low or no cost. If the elderly person can’t drive themselves to either of these options, family caregivers or senior care aides can provide transportation. Another way that homebound seniors can enjoy tai chi is via exercise DVDs or online videos. This way, they can get fit without transportation.
2. Dress Properly
Seniors don’t need much to be properly dressed for a tai chi workout. The most important thing they must have is some sturdy shoes with flexible soles, such as running shoes. Seniors shouldn’t do tai chi, or any exercise for that matter, in slippers, stocking feet or bare feet. There are no special clothes that the seniors need to buy to do tai chi. Clothes should be comfortable and loose-fitting so they can move and stretch with ease.
3. Prepare the Body
Most tai chi classes will have a warm-up period to loosen the muscles and get seniors ready to exercise. They should also have access to a water bottle so they can stay hydrated as they work out. It’s a good idea to eat a healthy snack an hour or so before doing tai chi so the body has plenty of fuel to complete the rigorous workout. A post-workout snack is also a good idea to replenish nutrients.
4. Slow and Steady
When beginning any exercise program like tai chi, seniors should start slowly and build up their stamina and abilities. Getting the hang of the movements may take a little time and they grow increasingly complex. Seniors shouldn’t expect to learn all the routines right away and they shouldn’t feel frustrated if it takes them a while to master it all. The good news is that it won’t take long to memorize the beautiful and graceful tai chi moves in class or at home.
5. Heed Physical Warnings
When seniors begin tai chi, they need to pay attention to their body as they progress. If at any time they feel dizzy or feel pain, they should stop and rest. It’s easy for seniors to fall or lose their balance if they push their body beyond its limits, so they should always take care not to overexert themselves. Active seniors need to find the right balance between pushing themselves to gain health benefits and holding back enough so they don’t train themselves physically.
Tai chi is growing in popularity as an ideal form of exercise for seniors. When their doctor gives them the go ahead, elderly loved ones can rely on family caregivers and senior care aides to help them arrange the time and place for them to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of doing tai chi exercises.
Source: http://www.energyarts.com/tai-chi-for-seniors
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Philadelphia PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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