Picture a body of clear, sparkling water. It can be an immense sea, calm river, or the Olympic sized pool at your Overture senior living community. Picture yourself immersed in said water. Now picture your stress melting away as you splash and paddle your way to a newly invigorated sense of wellbeing. Ahhhh.
Yep. Water is pretty powerful stuff.
Submerging yourself in water is not just relaxing. It’s like a total body reboot that boosts physical and mental health. And that’s if you’re just standing still. Add a regimen of your favorite water exercises and the benefits multiply exponentially.
Benefits of Swimming for Seniors
Physical:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
Swimming provides an excellent cardiovascular workout that improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall endurance.
- Gentle on Joints
As a low impact exercise, swimming is great for seniors with arthritis and joint pain and stiffness.
- Strengthens muscles
Swimming engages the core, legs, and arms, helping to maintain total body muscle mass and strength.
- Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
Water’s buoyancy offers freedom of movement that can increase flexibility and range of motion.
- Reduces the Risk of Falls
A water workout can improve balance and reduce the risk of a fall.
Mental:
- Stress Reduction
Floating in the water is nature’s own therapy session. The stillness and weightlessness can lower cortisol levels and produce a feeling of calm.
- Happiness and Mental Clarity
Swimming or simply being near water stimulates positive energy and helps refocus the mind.
- Improved Sleep
Swimming can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
- Social Opportunities
Joining a group water activity class can be a wonderful social activity. Even if you’re not interested in a class, hanging at the Overture pool is a great way to meet other seniors who share your enthusiasm for the water.
Swimming Pool Exercises for Seniors
There are many ways to work out in the water.
- Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics is always a fan favorite. Join a group of friends for a safe and structured total body workout that is fun, social and motivating.
- Yoga and Stretching
Adapted for water, yoga poses and stretches can improve balance and flexibility.
- Water Walking
Grab a buddy and enjoy a water walk. As simple as walking back and forth across the shallow end of the pool, water walking is a great way to get moving without exacerbating joint pain. Walking without bearing weight is also an excellent way to rehab any foot or ankle injuries.
- Water Relaxation Classes
Experience the calming effects of water relaxation through floating and Tai Chi or meditation. Or just strap on a floatie and enjoy how great it feels to just be in the water.
- Just Swim
If you are physically able, plug in your earplugs and spend some time swimming laps. If you are just starting, start with a few laps and challenge yourself by increasing the number gradually.
Get Into the Swim at Overture
Whether you’re up for a water aerobics class, want to swim a few laps or just enjoy the serenity of floating around with friends, you’ll enjoy both the camaraderie and health benefits of Overture’s Olympic sized pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. Book a tour at the Overture senior apartment community of your choice today.
Isn’t it time to take the plunge and embrace the ultimate in retirement living?