Great Chair Exercises for Seniors

Seniors who work the muscles in their entire body enjoy a healthier lifestyle. In fact, those seniors who take the necessary time to workout on a regular basis start feeling healthier, stronger, and notice improved stamina. The best way for seniors to begin exercises for senior's program is slowly. Don't just jump right in and start exercising. Try a few chair exercises for seniors daily. And gradually increase the time spent exercising. Lets begin with the following chair exercises for seniors. All that is required is a chair. No other special exercise equipment is required.

Senior Chair Exercises

Shoulder Shrugs - Sit comfortably in a chair. Take a deep breath and lift the shoulders up as high as your ears. Hold for a second and then release. Strengthens shoulders. Repeat three to five times.

Head Twist - Sit tall in a chair. Feet planted firmly on floor. Now slowly turn head to left and back to center. Then slowly turn head to right and back to center. Good for neck muscles. Repeat five times.

Leg Exercises - Sit comfortably in a chair. Balance the body on both buttocks. Now place the legs together. And slowly lift the heels off the floor, toes still pressing on the floor, Now lower the heels back down to the floor. Do ten to fifteen times. Breathe normally. Strengthens ankles and legs.

Marching - Sit comfortably in a chair with a high back and side arms. Place arms at side or on top of legs. Balance the body carefully on both buttocks. Now you are going to lift the right knee up off the floor a few inches and back down to the floor. And then lift the left leg up and back down. Continue the movements in a marching motion. Left, right, left right, for about ten to fifteen reps. Once stamina builds up try pumping the arms up and down while marching. Exercise works leg muscles and arms.

Leg Extensions - Take hands and grab the sides of your chair. Extend left leg straight out flex toes five times and release. Now extend the right leg straight out flex toes five times and release. Strengthens entire leg. Improves flexibility. Note:Only need to lift leg an inch or two off the floor for benefits.

And seniors should remember to always consult their doctor before beginning these chair exercises for seniors.

Links/Sources
WebMD