Regardless of age, regular exercise is vital to your overall health and well-being. While exercise can improve balance, strength, and flexibility and reduce the risk of falls, it can be unsafe for seniors and those with physical limitations to try on their own. At Ideal Home Care Services, we offer high-quality companion care on Long Island that enables you to engage in safe, effective exercise in the comfort of your home. Here, we discuss some of the best home exercises to help you stay healthy and active while ensuring your safety.
Walking
Whether you want to get outside for some fresh air or walk in place inside, walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise for people of all ages. It’s been shown to strengthen muscles in the legs and lower back, decrease stiffness, improve cardiovascular health, and can have a positive impact on your mental health. Walking with the assistance of our compassionate companion caregivers can help you avoid injury, especially if you have balance issues or are at risk for falls.
Balance Training
Improving balance is one of the most important elements of reducing the risk of falls. With the help of a companion caregiver, you can safely perform balance exercises that enhance stability and help you feel more confident when moving around. Some common exercises that improve balance include standing on one foot and heel-to-toe walking.
Chair Squats
Squats are excellent for strengthening hip, core, and leg muscles and improving balance, which can make everyday activities like sitting and standing easier. Our companion caregivers know how to provide proper support so chair squats can be done safely.
Leg Lifts
A simple, effective exercise to build lower body strength, enhance mobility, and improve circulation, assisted leg lifts can be done seated or lying down. Having your companion caregiver support your leg during each lift ensures can keep you from getting hurt and build stamina.
Wall Push-Ups
It’s also important to strengthen the upper body. However, upper body exercises like traditional push-ups can be too challenging for many people. Wall push-ups are a safe, effective exercise that can strengthen muscles in the chest, arms, and shoulders.
Arm Raises
Strengthening the shoulders and upper back helps improve posture and can make performing daily tasks easier. In some cases, using light free weights may be appropriate and help build muscle. Members of our companion care services team are specially trained to guide your arms so you don’t overextend or strain your shoulders.
Stretching
Gentle stretching is critical for maintaining flexibility and reducing muscle and joint stiffness. Activities like chair yoga can help improve range of motion and promote relaxation and mindfulness as well. Your companion caregiver can guide you through both seated and standing stretches and even do them alongside you.
Exercise Safety Tips
Ensuring you have proper support while exercising is crucial to avoid injury. Make sure your companion caregiver is nearby and ready to offer physical support before you begin exercising. Moving slowly and intentionally can also help you avoid getting hurt, and staying hydrated is a must. Members of our companion services team know how to modify exercises according to your abilities and physical condition and make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising.
A daily exercise routine can help you maintain your physical health and independence. Our companion care services keep you safe and active while helping you build strength and flexibility, balance, and mobility. Having a companion caregiver to exercise with can also brighten your mood and make life more fun, which is always a good thing.
Learn More about Companion Care on Long Island
At Ideal Home Care Services, we believe that regular exercise can enhance your independence and overall well-being. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional in-home care services with dignity, respect, and compassion. To learn more about home health and companion care services on Long Island, contact us or call 631-509-5600 today.