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Functional Movement Exercises for Seniors

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Day-to-day tasks often become more difficult as we age, but there is a way to start moving better with less pain. And it's as easy as doing the things you do every day. Performing functional movement exercises is a wonderful way to increase mobility, stability, and flexibility, and these movements can even be done while seated in your chair.

What are Functional Movement Exercises?

Functional movement exercises are movements that simulate what a person does on a daily basis. Some of these movements include raising arms up and also to the side, different bending exercises of the upper and lower body, and head and neck exercises. These are simple movements of the body that with consistency provide each participant with more strength and flexibility. A great benefit of this type of exercise is it is open to all fitness levels. All participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, and our instructors will provide individual attention to each participant. This ensures they are doing these movements both properly and effectively. 

Functional movement exercises will be beneficial to men and women with:

  • Stiff/painful shoulders
  • Tight hips
  • Poor posture
  • Low energy
  • Trouble doing daily tasks (combing hair, reaching for items on shelves, opening the fridge, getting out of the chair, putting on a jacket, etc.)

Cardiovascular Health

Improving mobility, stability, and flexibility of the body are not the only benefits of this senior fitness principle. Because your body moves for the duration of all fitness classes, functional fitness exercises also provide great benefits to the cardiovascular system. 

After attending an exercise class consistently for a few weeks, you will notice it is not as tiring getting around to do your daily routine and you will feel more energetic. 

If you want to gain more range of motion throughout both your upper and lower body, you must exercise regularly. Here at Waltonwood, we offer you the opportunity to do just that. Instructors who specialize in senior fitness lead classes regularly that help participants meet and maintain their goals. 

We encourage you to come to one of our Waltonwood locations and see what it is all about. You will be happy you did!

- By Tony Beaudry Forever

Fit Manager Waltonwood

Cary Parkway/Lake Boone

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