Indoor Walking Workout Ideas for Seniors in Huntington, IN

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Indoor Walking Workout Ideas for Seniors in Huntington, IN

Physical activity, such as indoor walking, gives you the immediate benefits of lowered stress levels and reduced blood pressure. That's why many seniors should think about keeping an indoor walking workout regimen. With workout ideas such as dance walking, marching in place, and exercising during your favorite TV program, there are plenty of ways to include a workout in every lifestyle. 

At our senior community in Huntington, located only about 25 miles from Fort Wayne, we take regular exercise seriously. 

To inspire you to start an accessible walking workout regimen, we've put together this thorough guide. Keep reading to learn about different walking ideas that'll give you winter wellness movement without ever leaving the comfort of your home!

Walking In Place

Sometimes, senior mobility indoors is hampered by limited room to work with. This doesn't mean you should skip walking altogether. 

Instead, consider walking in place.

It can feel strange at first, but you can achieve the same benefits of walking after you've practiced a little. For the best benefits, you'll need to: 

  • Keep your shoulders relaxed and your back straight
  • Keep the tilt of your head level with the floor to prevent slouching or leaning
  • Find a pace that allows you to flow from one step to another
  • Lift your foot off the ground only as much as feels natural
  • Remember to swing your arms

If it ever feels as though walking in place has become too easy, try lifting your legs higher with each step. This will take greater strength and concentration, but it'll be worth the effort. 

TV Workout

Do you find yourself tuning out during commercials of your favorite TV show? Do you find it irritating that there are so many commercials popping up all the time? 

Now's your chance to put those commercial breaks to good use. 

Instead of impatiently waiting, get up and walk for the duration of the commercial break. This practice gives you small bursts of exercise when you would otherwise be doing nothing at all. 

You'll still get to watch your show, but you'll feel even better after it finishes. You watch a good bit of television while also working on your physical health. 

If you're only starting your exercise journey, this kind of workout regimen can be a great way to ease yourself into the motions. 

Dance Walking

When motivation is difficult to find, try mixing a creative pastime with your walking exercise. Not only do many dance moves increase the difficulty and benefits of walking, but they can also be a lot more fun. 

It'll make each walk lively and unique. Plus, you'll have a good excuse to put on a peppy album of music to help you get into the groove. 

Not a fan of dancing? Here are some other balance improvement maneuvers you can add to your regular walk that'll amplify your health gains and the fun factor: 

  • Side-stepping
  • Glute kicks
  • Knee lifts
  • Punching
  • Kicking
  • Skipping
  • Marching

Interval Walking

Another home walking routine to consider is interval walking. This is where you break up your walk into sections of varying difficulty. 

For example, a simple way to do this is to increase and decrease your pace. 

If you want to walk for 20 minutes, you might start with 10 minutes of regular walking. Then seamlessly move into a fast pace for 5 minutes, which then switches to a slow pace for the last 5 minutes. 

This not only keeps the workout more interesting, but it can also help build endurance faster. Ending on a slower pace can be a natural cool-down phase, so you can end your workout sooner. 

Feel free to get creative when coming up with a set of interval walking rules. It can be a fun way to change your workout to stay fresh all week long. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indoor Walking Workouts Work?

The good news is that most kinds of senior activities can become exercise as long as you dedicate yourself to them. The best thing about an indoor walking workout is that it's accessible and low-impact fitness, meaning it's a great choice for seniors of all mobility levels. 

You're able to exercise whenever you want without fear of loose gravel, poor lighting, or pushy passersby. 

Does Walking Around the House for 30 Minutes Count as Exercise?

Definitely, as long as you're walking with proper form. You'll want your shoulders back and spine straight as you swing your arms like normal. 

Walking is low-impact fitness at its best, regardless of whether you're indoors or outdoors. If it's easier for you to walk indoors, then don't let any doubts prevent you from getting in a good exercise in your senior apartments

Will I Lose Weight Walking 10,000 Steps a Day?

For seniors, the recommended number of steps per day is around 6,000 to 8,000. If you're able to reach 10,000 without pain or exhaustion, then that's a great sign of health. 

Alongside a nutrition-forward diet, you're sure to reach your weight goals in no time. The key is to remember not to push yourself to do too much in one go, or else you may cause your body injury. 

How Many Miles Is 10,000 Steps?

Although not an exact math, the average stepping span would make 10,000 steps go the distance of about 5 miles. It's an admirable goal, but it's better to start on the low side of things when introducing new exercises to your life. 

It's recommended to start with a goal of 6,000 steps, and then you can work your way up. 

Start an Indoor Walking Workout With Tipton Place

As you begin your indoor walking workout regimen, you might find your motivation beginning to wane. To find unparalleled support with your workout and dedication, consider joining a senior community.  

When you join Tipton Place Assisted Living, you're joining a Huntington community that cares about helping you achieve your health goals. Our individualized care plans make sure that every resident gets the quality of support they need to thrive. With engaging activities, social events, and cozy amenities, retirement with us will feel like a dream. 

Contact us right away to learn more about how to join our Huntington senior community!

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