With temperatures set to soar soon, new research has predicted the biggest summer fitness trends to try this year.
The summer months are a great opportunity to focus on your health and wellbeing and to reap the benefits as you age: you’ll have more energy, your balance will improve, and it can boost your mood.
From heading outside for a garden workout to boosting your flexibility with a Pilates class, here Lottie’s Co-Founder and Care Expert – Will Donnelly – reveals the best fitness trends for seniors to try this summer.
- Head outdoors for a garden workout
- 80% increase in online searches on Google for ‘gardening workout’*
- 33% increase in online searches on Google for ‘gardening fitness’
“With warmer temperatures ahead, the summer months are a perfect opportunity to reap the rewards of gardening. If you’re looking for a new way to stay fit and healthy, gardening has lots of surprising benefits for your physical health and wellbeing.
Gardening is a great example of aerobic exercise and involves many heart-raising activities, including picking weeds, planting seeds and pushing a lawnmower. All these exercises are great for your heart health and previous studies have found that gardening regularly can reduce the risk of a stroke and heart attack in those over 60.
Gardening can also boost your immune system, sharpen your mind, build self-esteem and improve your mood,” shares Lottie’s Co-Founder and Care Expert Will Donnelly.
- Improve your body with tai chi
- 50% increase in online searches for ‘tai chi classes for seniors near me’
- 22% increase in online searches for ‘tai chi exercises for seniors’
“Over the last 3 months, there has been a surge in online searches for tai chi – a mind-body exercise that’s widely recognised as a gentle form of fitness”, shares Will Donnelly.
“All tai chi movements are slow, with one motion always flowing into the next. Tai chi movements involve shifting your weight from one foot to another and has a heap of health and wellbeing benefits for those over 60.
It can lower your risk of falling, provide relief from arthritis, improve heart health and aid better sleep. According to previous studies, tai chi can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The smooth, flowing movements can relax your mind and boost your mood”.
- Ease yourself into weightlifting
- 57% increase in online searches on Google for ‘weight training routines over 50 female’
- 50% increase in online searches on Google for ‘weight exercises for seniors’ and ‘weightlifting for women over 50’
No matter what your age, exercising with weights is a great way to stay in shape.
“Weight training exercises in later life can improve joint health, enhance your metabolic fitness and boost your balance”, shares Will.
“However, it’s important to choose the right weights and exercises to reduce your risk of an injury. Before starting any new exercise plans, it’s a good idea to consult your GP or physiotherapist as they will be able to guide you in any activities to avoid.
Remember to ease yourself into weightlifting and give your body enough time to recover between training sessions”.
- Try a guided workout
- 120% increase in online searches on Google for ‘Joe Wicks home workout for seniors’
- 100% increase in online searches on Google for ‘keep fit for seniors YouTube’
- 22% increase in online searches on Google for ‘elderly senior chair exercises printable’
Care Expert Will Donnelly says, “During lockdown, Joe Wicks kept the country fit with a variety of fitness workouts. He also created a series of exercise videos aimed at older adults to improve their health and wellbeing.
From chair-based fitness videos to full-body workouts, this trend of guided exercises is set to continue this summer.
Online exercise classes and printable fitness plans are cost-effective, flexible alternatives to in-person classes that provide a variety of activities to try in the comfort of your own home. They provide the same benefits, including improved strength, balance and energy.
Working out in a gym or studio can be intimidating, so online classes can ease you into a new exercise routine. Why not try an online fitness class with a few of your close friends?”
- Boost your flexibility with Pilates
- 80% increase in online searches on Google for ‘chair Pilates for seniors’
- 33% increase in online searches on Google for ‘Pilates for elderly beginners YouTube’
- 29% increase in online searches on Google for ‘Pilates for over 60s near me’
“Whether you are a keen exerciser or just getting started, Pilates can transform your fitness journey. Many Pilates activities can be performed whilst lying, reclining or seated, so you can take it as easy as you need to.
From increased endurance, strength and flexibility to improved mobility, there are a variety of health benefits to trying Pilates.
As we grow older our posture changes and activities like Pilates can improve your posture, providing you relief from joint pain.
If you’re interested in trying out Pilates, a quick search online will pull up nearby classes in your local area”, shares Will.
- Focus on improving balance
- 50% increase in online searches on Google for ‘balance exercises for seniors’
- 22% increase in online searches on Google for ‘exercises to improve balance for seniors
“Our ability to balance decreases as we age, but there are ways to increase our strength and flexibility. Having good balance helps prevent injuries, so it’s no surprise that more people in later life are searching online for exercises to improve their strength”, shares Will.
“From back leg raises to head-to-toe walks, there are a variety of balance exercises for everyone to try. Balance exercises suit any ability, but it’s important you feel self-assured in any movement patterns, so you’re not worried about falling.