A lot of seniors belong to health clubs and gyms and the health benefits of exercising don’t diminish as you age. In fact they seem to become more important in helping you to remain healthy, active, and independent. First of all, there are a few senior-only health clubs, although they are few and far between. If there is one near you, it may be perfect, although many of my senior friends prefer working out in a mixed environment anyways. Since you probably don’t have a seniors only option, what should you look for above and beyond a comfortable, pleasant environment with a mix of equipment that you enjoy?

Does anyone on the staff have a certification in senior fitness or equivalent? Although not necessary, this is nice. The regular staff may be more than adequate. My gym for example is very popular with seniors yet no one carries a specific certification. Do they offer senior specific or senior appropriate fitness classes? Although none carry the “senior” designation at mine, they have a range of low impact to medium impact classes, and quite a few seniors like the higher impact classes as well. At last, and probably least yet still important, do they offer a senior discount? If not, they may offer a discount for a restricted time membership, for example one that that doesn’t include weekend or evening access. If you have a flexible schedule like many seniors, this might just be perfect.

There are several exercises that do not require strenuous workouts. These are ideally suited for seniors. These exercises involve gentle and simple movements of the different parts of the body. One of the easiest exercises is opening and closing your hands as fast as possible. When you open your hands, stretch out your fingers to the maximum limit, and when closing your hands, curl the fingers into a tight fist. This exercise can be done 10 times for each hand. It will help to strengthen you hand muscles. After you finish shake both the hands gently to get rid of the tautness that may develop.

Another exercise that you can do while seated is raising your feet simultaneously. Just raise both the feet a couple of inches and move your toes in any direction. The moment you find your muscles hurting or the elevated position of the feet uncomfortable, lower your feet. This exercise should be done around 6 times to help strengthen your leg muscles. A different version of this exercise is to lift your legs off the ground until the joints of the knee get locked. Then bring the feet back to the ground. This too can be performed around 6 times.

An exercise that is good for mobility is lying flat on the and then slightly raising your feet. Once your feet are raised, stretch out your legs and then try to point your toes in the forward direction. Hold the position for just a few second and then bring your feet back to the ground. While your feet are in the elevated position, make sure that you squeeze your knees. This exercise is good for mobility and also for the hips.

If you want to exercise your backbone, then sit straight up on a chair with your back resting against the backrest of the chair. Then lower your chin until it touches your chest. Keep the position for a few seconds and then raise your chin to its normal position. Then tilt your head backwards as far as it will go and then hold the position for a few seconds before bringing your head back to its original position. This exercise will help your backbone and neck.

Other exercises that are good for seniors are swimming, walking and even gardening. They all help to strengthen your muscles and improve muscle tone. In addition, you will also learn better balance and coordination. However, before doing any exercise, first check out with your doctor whether your health allows you to do them.