Low-Intensity Exercises for All Age Groups

When many people think of exercising, they envision a high-intensity, strenuous workout. And while some people might find it enjoyable and challenging, exercise can be intimidating for others, especially the elderly. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t have to hurt or be tiring or time-consuming. It doesn’t have to be anything out of the ordinary. That is why low-intensity exercises are an excellent way to keep in shape, regardless of your age. They are low impact, allow you to live an active lifestyle, and can help achieve weight loss.

Top Low-Intensity Exercises That Everyone Should Know

A low-intensity workout gets its name because the exercise intensity is on the lower end of the spectrum. That means the workout is at a lower level than regular, brisk walking, but you can still exercise at high intensities. In fact, low-intensity workouts are considered safe for everyone, even those with bad knees, bad backs, and chronic joint pain.

Here are some of the low-intensity workouts that are suitable for all age groups:

Elliptical machine

Exercising on an elliptical machine is one of the low-intensity exercises which can be used by almost all age groups. This exercise burns a considerable amount of calories, which effectively helps in weight loss among all age groups. It is a gentle exercise for people of all ages. In fact, this exercise is for older people also, who may not be capable of exercising strenuously. The elliptical machine exercise is ideal for those people as it does not stress their knees, ankles, or hips.

Cycling

Cycling is one of the low-intensity exercises for all age groups. It is low impact, meaning it doesn’t put much stress on joints, ligaments, and the back. As a result, it is an ideal exercise for people of all ages. Cycling is also a very effective cardiovascular exercise, and it increases endurance, burns calories, and tones muscles.

Yoga

Yoga for older people is not only gaining popularity, but doctors and fitness specialists are increasingly recommending it. The wellness benefits of yoga are becoming more and more understood, and the list of potential health benefits is long. Yoga has long been touted as a safe and effective way of maintaining flexibility and building core strength. However, more recently, it has been recommended as an option for a wide range of conditions, from arthritis to depression. Yoga is particularly effective for older people because of yoga’s low-impact nature.

Resistance bands and light weights

Resistance bands and light weights are great methods of exercise for all age groups. These are lightweights which range from 2 to 10 lbs. These are used by people of all ages and fitness levels. They are portable and used by people in their daily life. Small, portable, and simple to use, these bands also fold and fit in a purse or backpack, making them easy to carry around wherever you go.

Swimming

No matter how old you are, swimming can be a great low-intensity exercise for anyone. Swimming is low impact, provides joint and muscle strengthening benefits, and is great for those who have arthritis, joint pain, or chronic pain. It is also a great way to increase strength and flexibility, improve balance and stability, and strengthen the heart.

Walking

Walking is one of the best exercise options for people of all ages and fitness levels. If you have a medical condition, such as knee or hip problems, walking may be better than running because walking is easier on your joints. You don’t have to do a lot of working out to get health benefits from walking. Even a 15-minute walk each day can improve your health.

Step-ups

Known as the walking lunges or lunges, step-ups are an exercise that consists of stepping forward with the left foot and then the left knee. They are suitable exercises for all age groups. The exercise can be performed in an indoor gym or outside in a gym or park. Step-ups are helpful in reducing body fat, toning the muscles in the back and legs, improving balance and stamina, and burning calories. The exercise can be performed using free weights, a resistance band, or a medicine ball.

Low-intensity exercises are one the best exercises you can do regardless of your age. They are especially great for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure. As one of our low-intensity exercises, low-impact aerobics is also a great exercise for people of all ages.