If your loved one has a mobility limitation that leaves them confined to a wheelchair for hours on end, chair exercises can bring about many advantages for them. You may be at a loss at what type of exercise is most suitable for your loved one who is unable to stand independently or who experiences joint pain, and to this end, chair exercises can help.
Read on to find out some examples of chair exercises as well as the benefits of engaging in them!
Benefits of Chair Exercises
Everyone needs to get in their regular dose of exercise, regardless of their age and ability. Below are some advantages your loved one can reap from chair exercises:
- Improve Posture and Strengthen Muscles
Remaining seated for prolonged periods of time can result in the weakening of lower back muscles and bad posture. When your muscles are no longer able to support your upper body as they used to, your posture can be affected permanently. Taking part in chair exercises can change this.
- Improve Muscle Memory
If your loved one is suffering from dementia, carrying out repetitive chair exercises can help to enhance muscle memory, improve hand-eye coordination and help them retain independence for longer.
Try Out These Chair Exercises
Now that you know about the advantages of chair exercises, below are some your loved ones can try out:
- Shoulder Rotations
Sit up straight in your chair and raise your shoulders as close to your ears as possible. Your arms should not lift out from your body. From this position, rotate your shoulders back and forth in a circular motion. Repeat in the other direction.
- Seated Rotation
Sit up straight with your feet firmly planted on the floor before interlocking your arms behind your head. Twisting your weight, turn your body to the left while remaining upright. Feel your core muscles pull towards your spine and return to your original position. Repeat the same to the left and do 10 repetitions of each.
- Seated Basketball
This is a fun exercise for older adults who used to enjoy playing basketball. First, position a mini basketball hoop at a suitable height. You can even use an empty wastebasket if you don’t have a hoop. Try varying the size and weight of the ball over time and get some friends to join in!
Come to TerraBella Hillsborough for Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care
If you are worried that your loved one isn’t getting the exercise they need from home, consider making the move to TerraBella Hillsborough. We offer senior assisted living and memory care in a beautiful location in North Carolina, and all our residents can benefit from fitness instruction on campus.
Whether your loved one prefers to take part in an exercise class or receive personalized instruction from our fitness team, they can get their needs met when they make the move with us. Check out what we have to offer today and take the first step!
