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The Best Indoor Sports for Older People

1. Gymnastics

The Best Indoor Sports for Older People

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The autumn and winter seasons can be a great disadvantage for older people trying to stay fit as the desire to get outside and exercise can become noticeably dimmed. But it is important for older people, especially in autumn and winter, to stay mobile and get some exercise. Consult with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting any new exercise regime.

To help achieve this, here are 5 indoor sports for older people this autumn and winter:

Easy to access, gymnastics is probably one of the most readily available indoor sports for older people. Many physiotherapists and fitness studios offer courses specifically tailored to seniors. Gymnastics strengthens important body regions with easy-to-handle exercises and is usually very back-friendly. It has the added benefit of introducing you to other like-minded people and enriching your social life.

2. Indoor cycling

Knee problems are common amongst older people. Therefore, it is important to train them all year round. Riding a bicycle helps your knees to move around, which can often relieve or prevent pain. Cycling is a good option as it is a joint-gentle endurance sport. During the colder seasons, indoor cycling will benefit your knees. Most gyms today offer special indoor cycling courses for older people. Consult your doctor before embarking on your indoor cycling journey.

3. Aqua aerobics

An even more gentle indoor sport is aqua aerobics. This consists of easy-to-follow exercises in water either on their own or with aids such as balls, boards and swimming noodles. All movements are performed against the pressure of the water. Additionally, the warm water is good for everyone during the cold autumn and winter months.

4. Osteoporosis prevention

Many older people are at risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to start osteoporosis prevention at an early age. Sports tailored to older people are very beneficial, such as gentle jump training on the trampoline, exercises on vibration plates, fast walking on the treadmill or outdoors, and moderate strength training. Ask your doctor, physiotherapist or gym instructor to recommend the most suitable exercises for you.

5. Exercise at home

Even those who are mainly confined to their home should not refrain from doing sports. There are many ways to stay moving at home and to train and strengthen healthy body parts. For example, exercises for the upper body on a chair or balance ball may be suitable. Also, an exercise bike or ergometer are great for training leg muscles.

Consult with your doctor before adopting any of these exercises. The most important thing for seniors in autumn and winter is moving as regularly as possible.

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