You don’t have to feel that
you are a failure because a traditional exercise program is too daunting. You
know that exercise will help your painful joints, but if the idea of facing a
vigorous exercise program is more than you can handle right now you are not
alone. Well good news. You can get a good workout utilizing a chair
and these programs are not just for old ladies.
Chair exercises are not geared toward a specific group. Seniors, people with disabilities and people
who have been sedentary for much to long all find that a chair exercise program
is a good way to start.
Almost all traditional
exercises can be converted to a matching chair exercise. You will find all people at all levels of
fitness in your classes; some will exercise in the traditional manner while
others are using a seated version using the chair/wall for support. Even as easy exercise can be effective. The amount of difficulty isn’t the only
indicator of whether an exercise is effective or not. A chair exercise class should provide a
full-body workout. Your class will
involve a warm-up and will then move on to include stretching, weights, and
even an aerobic session before winding up with a cool-down.
You can find a class (which
is always fun) but if you prefer to work out at home that is doable too. All you will need is a sturdy chair that
allows freedom of movement (which means you don’t want a big comfy chair or one
that folds up or has parts that stick out).
You will find that a wall is also a sturdy place for doing push-ups and
leg lifts so the chair doesn’t have to be your only means of support. You will be surprised at how secure you feel
just knowing you have something to hang on to if you need it. You will find yourself walking in place while
hanging on to your chair, using weights to strengthen arms and chest muscles,
or even doing exercises that rotate your joints. It is entirely possible to do sit-ups,
push-ups, isometric presses, back stretches and toe raises, all with the
support of a chair or wall.
If you prefer to work out at
home until you are familiar enough with the routines to don leotards and join a
group, that is okay too. The library is
filled with books catering to every exercise option. My personal favorites include the senior
version of oxycising (www.oxycise.com)
and specialty videos such as Senior Fitness Easy Does It offered by ([email protected]).
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