Options for indoor walking include at home, the gym, or the mall. You can mix other senior-friendly workouts into your indoor routine for variety. Indoor walking can help you lose weight and improve your overall fitness.
HealthDay reports that walking is surging in popularity, with almost 60% of Americans saying they walk at least once a week. Glassboro, NJ, is very walkable, but as winter approache,s you may prefer staying active indoors.
Learn how to get more from your indoor walking routine and why walking is a great choice for older adults.
Walking at home is often the most convenient option for staying active indoors.
At Summit Place, you can walk laps in the hallways. This gives you an easy way to set goals and track your fitness progress. Can you walk one more lap than yesterday, or finish your laps a minute faster?
You can also walk in your room. Walking in place has many of the same benefits as walking around. You can do it while you watch TV or talk on the phone, which can help the time pass more quickly.
If you would like to walk with friends, you can join our indoor walking class. We typically walk once a week in the living room.
You can multiply the benefits of indoor exercise with an indoor walking workout. These senior-friendly workouts combine walking with strength training and balance exercises for aging adults. Exercises you might add to your routine include:
You can use small dumbbells or ankle weights for more resistance training.
Glassboro has many gyms, some of which have programming for seniors. In addition to walking, you may be able to participate in group classes or get individualized coaching.
You can take advantage of walking on a treadmill. Treadmills let you vary your workout by changing the speed or incline. You can easily track your time and distance.
Some gyms have an indoor track. Indoor tracks have a smooth, consistent surface. A treadmill or indoor track will be gentler on your joints than walking outside on concrete or asphalt.
Mall walking is a classic option for walking indoors. Formal mall walking groups have declined in popularity, but you can still get a good indoor walking workout on your own or with a friend.
Malls provide a safe, well-lit environment with smooth, even walking surfaces. Restrooms and seating are available if you need them.
If you're feeling tech-savvy, you can try an indoor walking app or workout video. Choose an app that feels easy to use and offers customizable workouts. This lets you adjust workouts to meet your needs and goals.
Some apps offer virtual coaching and encouragement to help you stay motivated. Apps to consider include:
Many apps provide workouts you can follow, including walking routines for seniors. You can find more options for workout videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The popularity of indoor walking workouts means you have a wide range of videos available for different fitness levels.
If you have a smart TV, you can watch your walking videos on the big screen for the best visibility. You can also watch on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone. Prop your tablet or smartphone somewhere secure while you exercise for greater safety.
TikTok and YouTube are full of walking challenges. You may not want to follow the details of any particular challenge, but you can benefit from setting a goal and inviting a friend or family member to compete with you. Research reported in Physical Activity and Health shows that friendly competition can improve your commitment to an exercise program and help you make larger fitness gains.
If you have children or grandchildren, a walking challenge can be an enjoyable way to bond. A virtual challenge works just as well as an in-person.
You don't have to do exactly the same program, either. If the grandchildren prefer to do track running, you can do track walking.
Many indoor exercises provide similar benefits to walking. If you have access to a gym, you can try cycling, rowing, or the elliptical trainer. Dancing is another fun option.
Yoga, Pilates, and Tai chi are other activities to mix into your exercise program. They include balance exercises for aging adults that can be especially beneficial. These low-impact, senior-friendly workouts are excellent for cross-training, adding variety to your indoor walking routine.
You can lose weight by indoor walking. The key is walking regularly while also developing healthier eating patterns.
Contrary to what many people assume, walking at a faster pace doesn't necessarily increase the amount of weight you may lose. A study in the journal Nutrients found that walking at all speeds reduced body fat for study participants.
In the 28-day indoor walking challenge, you commit to walking indoors every day for four weeks. Different versions of the challenge ask you to reach a certain number of steps or minutes each day.
This challenge can be effective because you're setting a realistic goal with a clear plan. If your goals include weight loss, the amount you see in 28 days depends on many factors, but you'll get results if you stick with the program.
Indoor walking is a great way to stay active, no matter the weather. You can walk at home, the mall, or the gym. You can mix in other exercises for more variety in your workouts.
The caring team at Summit Place is here to help you meet your health and wellness goals with senior care in Glassboro, NJ. Our assisted living and respite care residents benefit from our wellness program, including classes like walking, chair yoga, and group exercise videos. We'll help you stay motivated and on track.
Schedule a tour of Summit Place today to learn how we can support you on your wellness journey.