{"id":755,"date":"2020-04-01T16:39:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T16:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/inonefit.com\/?p=755"},"modified":"2021-04-09T02:35:22","modified_gmt":"2021-04-09T02:35:22","slug":"best-core-strengthening-exercises-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inonefit.com\/best-core-strengthening-exercises-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Core Strengthening Exercises For Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
Core strengthening is a vital exercise especially for seniors, they are able to be done at home, without the need for help from a partner, and are simple enough that you don’t accidentally hurt yourself by doing them. It is an unfortunate fact that with age comes the reduction of muscle mass, decreasing flexibility, and a compromised balance. And a combination of these can actually lead to dangerous falls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As a matter of fact, there are 2.5 million seniors<\/a> treated in the emergency room or injuries due to falling every year. Fortunately, there\u2019s an antidote for that\u2014 regular core training. So what are some good core strengthening exercises for seniors? <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You\u2019re probably wondering how an ab workout can prevent you from falling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Shouldn\u2019t it be leg training?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The core actually consists of more than just those 6-pack muscles. This basically includes almost the entire torso, from your stomach, wrapping all the way around your lower back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, the core includes the rectus abdominus (commonly known as the 6-pack abs), the external and internal obliques (muscles running down your torso sides), the hips, the lower back and your traverse abdominus (innermost muscle layer surrounding the spine).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As you can see, the core does a lot more than just putting a naughty smile on anyone who sees it. And strengthening your core means that you are strengthening your ability to make almost any kind of movement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Since the core stabilizes ad supports your spine, you will find that a strong core means it is easier to reach, bend, and twist. Research also indicates that people with stronger core have a better sense of their center of gravity. This, in turn, allows you to become less prone to balance-related falls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In addition, studies revealed that gaining more strength can help increase mobility and stability and keeping you independent and fall-free for longer. As an added bonus, you can also experience less low back pain. This is because your strength and stretches the muscles of your lower back and your joints and disks are well-cushioned by a nice wall of muscles, relieving the pressure off from your joints.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Now, if you are convinced that a strong core can indeed help you become more independent for longer and less prone to falling, let\u2019s take a look at some of the best core-strengthening workouts for seniors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Abdominal bracing is one of the simplest ways to strengthen the core. Plus, you can do it anytime, anywhere. This workout works by activating your transverse abdominus muscle which wraps around the core and drawing it in like a corset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Being overly simple, you will need to make it a habit in order to experience the powerful strengthening effect it has on your core as well as improving your posture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The butt bridge exercise is excellent for strengthening your posterior chain, which is an integral part of your core including the hips, glutes, abs and lower back. This workout routine help in keeping the spine and your disks in proper alignment, allowing you to move freely without the pain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Read More: <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n This one is a great workout that targets almost every muscle of your core while also improving your balance. Wood chops also mimic a move that most of us do every day\u2014 unloading and loading the dishwasher.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This workout helps strengthen your glute muscles and the upper and lower back. When these groups of muscles are stimulated, you can easily perform any movement that requires sitting or bending over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The exercise is a progressive workout. So, it is recommended that you start with lifting one leg and the opposite arm and alternating, then gradually progressing to lifting both legs and arms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Note: If it is still difficult for you to perform, you can try lifting your arms only, then your legs, until you can build up strength.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This core workout can be a bit more challenging for seniors. However, it is a great workout that also targets your legs and arms while challenging your stability and balance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This workout can help strengthen your entire core, including your obliques that run up and down the sides and your stability muscles. It is important that you keep your lower back close to the floor while doing this workout, both for effective results and safety.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Note: If you wish to increase the challenges, you can keep your lower back on the floor, and reach the opposite arm overhead while you extend your leg. Meaning, as your right leg reaches toward the floor, your left hand extends overhead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Planks are one of the best exercises that target the whole body\u2014 from your arms and shoulders to your entire core, to the gluteus and legs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Read More:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n A simple, yet effective core workout, seated knee lifts also challenges your balance and form as you lift your knees up and down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Sidetwist targets your oblique muscles which are located along the sides of your core. Such muscles help in your bending sideways and the rotation of the body. Such workout helps in strengthening the oblique muscles, which in turn, improving your range of motions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How To Do It:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The Benefits of Core Strengthening Exercises For Seniors<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n10 Best Core Strengthening Exercises For Seniors<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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1) Abdominal Bracing<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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2) Glute Bridge<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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3) Wood Chops<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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4) Superman<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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5) Bicycle<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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6) Dead Bug<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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7) Modified Plank<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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8) Seated Knee Lifts<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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9) Side Twists<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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