Despite your loved one’s physical limitations, there are safe and effective exercises he or she can enjoy. With help from dedicated Dallas live-in caregivers, seniors of varying abilities can have fun and get into shape during the spring and summer months doing the following pool exercises.
Standing Push Ups
To do a standing push-up in the water, seniors should stand in the pool with their hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on one edge of the pool. Then they need to bend their arms and pull themselves towards the wall and push back. Seniors should keep repeating this exercise until their arms start to feel slightly tired. Water push-ups are an effective way for seniors to build arm and shoulder strength without putting excess pressure on their joints.
Leg Swings
For this exercise, seniors need to stand by the side of the pool in water that’s deep enough to reach up to their lower back. Then grab the edge of the swimming pool and swing their outside leg forward as far as possible, making sure their leg is kept straight. They then need to hold that position for five seconds and swing their leg behind them and hold it in place for another five seconds. Legs swings will help make the muscles in their upper legs stronger.
Water Jogging
Seniors can also simply jog through the water from one end of the pool to another. If seniors have physical limitations that make jogging in the water difficult, they can either march in place or walk at their own pace through the length of the pool. All variations of this exercise will get the blood flowing throughout the body while getting the heart rate up.
Leg Lifts
For this pool exercise, seniors should stand in a swimming pool and lift one of their legs out to the side and back down again. Seniors can repeat this exercise until their leg feels tired, then repeat with their other leg. Leg lifts will make their legs stronger while also strengthening their core and improving their balance. This is particularly useful for those who receive Alzheimer’s care in Dallas as cognitive disorders often disrupt balance and coordination.
Even if you aren’t always available to assist your loved one with these exercises, there are plenty of Dallas at-home care agencies that can help. Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of live-in and hourly home care that enables seniors to age in place while acquiring the tools they need to enjoy longevity and wellbeing. Highly trained caregivers are available 24/7 to help your loved one prepare nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and effectively heal from illness and injury. Call (214) 363-3400 today to speak to a knowledgeable Care Manager who will answer your questions, explain our services, and schedule a free consultation.