4 Ways to Safely Stay Active During the Winter Months
A balanced diet and exercise are vital for our overall health and wellness. While both are important, exercise is what reduces your risk of disease, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves your ability to do everyday activities.
When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, it is easy to find ways to exercise outdoors – gardening, going for a walk in the park or swimming at the lake. However, staying physically active during the winter can present more of a challenge.
As an active senior living community in Wyoming, Michigan, Rivertown Ridge promotes healthy aging by offering engaging activities that focus on the seven dimensions of wellness, including physical well-being.
Across our campus, we provide recreational programs and activities that keep residents energized and engaged all year round. We’re sharing four ways you can safely stay active this winter!
1. Participate in Community Activities
If you currently live in an active senior living community like Rivertown Ridge, staying active during the winter months is as convenient as walking down the hallway and joining a group fitness class!
Our community in Wyoming, Michigan, offers resort-style amenities and engaging programs that enable residents to live life to the fullest, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Some of what we have to offer include:
- A community fitness center
- Group fitness classes and personal fitness training
- Swimming pool and hot tub
2. Walk Indoors
If your regular exercise routine includes walking, consider finding a place to walk indoors. The winter can cause hazardous conditions such as snow, ice and freezing temperatures, so finding a safe place to keep up your routine will allow you to stay physically active even when the winter weather prevents you from doing so outside.
For instance, walk around your shopping mall. In addition, many high schools and colleges open their indoor track to the public during specific times. Another option could be taking advantage of the hallways or utilizing the fitness center and treadmill in the fitness center in your active senior living community.
While simple, walking is low-intensity and provides many health benefits, including improved heart health, and stronger bones and muscles. Furthermore, walking regularly can improve your sleeping habits, boost your mood and can even strengthen your immune system.
3. Try Yoga or Tai Chi
Yoga and tai chi are great options for staying active and promoting healthy aging. Both can be as high or low intensity as needed depending on your level of ability and provide numerous mental and physical health benefits. Some of these include:
- Improved balance and stability
- Increased flexibility and joint health
- Reduced feelings of stress and anxiety
- Encouraged mindfulness
The best part? These exercises can be done just about anywhere! All you need is enough space to move around freely. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, there are practicing options for you.
4. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Professional dancer or not, dancing is a great way to stay active and get your heart rate elevated. Of course, you can’t dance without moving your body, so it offers a fun and unique way to get in your exercise and burn calories.
Crank up your favorite tunes, put on some comfy clothes and dance like nobody is watching. You may even discover that you prefer having a private dance party in your home to engaging in more traditional forms of exercise.
Staying active is all about finding an activity that interests you and keeps your body moving. Contrary to popular belief, exercise does not need to be high-intensity for you to benefit. However, before you make any changes to your fitness routine, consult a healthcare provider.
Our active senior living community in Wyoming, Michigan, offers a variety of programs and activities that keep residents engaged all year round. If you would like to learn more about our lifestyle options and wellness programs, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of the Rivertown Ridge team.