Oklahoma State University: Chair Exercises Are Beneficial For Older Adults

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

2021-12-22

Media Contact:
Trisha Gedon | Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

For older adults, regular exercise is one of the most important things a person can
do for their health, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist and interim associate dean.

“Exercise helps your muscles stay strong so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities.
You don’t even need to have a gym membership or have expensive equipment to stay active,”
Peek said. “OSU Extension offers organized classes such as Walk with Ease and Tai
Chi: Moving for Better Balance, but some older adults may have mobility issues that
make it difficult to get out of the house.”

If that’s case, all they need is a sturdy chair and a couple of full water bottles
or cans of vegetables to get started.

Chair exercises are a great alternative for older adults who have difficulty moving
around. Leg, arm and core muscles can get a workout from a seated position, which
can help reduce the risk of injury from a fall. Easy stretching exercises are also
beneficial for mobility.

Peek provided several example activities to start off the new year:  

Arm exercises

Leg exercises

Core exercises

Stretching

Peek said anyone starting a new exercise program, whether at home or in an organized
class, should first consult with their primary care physician.

“It doesn’t take much to get started exercising at home and the benefits are well
worth the efforts,” she said.

For more information about exercising in later years or exercises that can be done
at home, contact your local OSU Extension county office.

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.