Choosing low-impact exercise for seniors at TerraBella Southern Pines is one of the most effective ways of staying strong, steady on your feet, and confident each day. In our community, fitness is a part of daily life, thanks to instructor-led workouts, dedicated walking groups, and fun movement-based activities. Our goal is to make physical activity for older adults something you will want to do every day.
Southern Pines, NC, is known for its beautiful, picturesque scenery, with gentle walking trails and longleaf pine landscapes. This inviting backdrop promotes physical activity -- something a study by the CDC showed 28% of older adults are totally missing out on! At TerraBella Southern Pines, our community and scenic setting make it easy to get into senior wellness routines that leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
Regular movement is essential for healthy aging. Low-impact exercise for seniors is ideal because it builds strength, boosts mood, and improves balance. At the same time, it does not put excessive pressure on aging joints.
Many seniors are managing long-term health conditions, but it may be possible to improve symptoms with more exercise. Baylor College of Medicine notes that regular movement can help control:
It's usually getting started that's the hard part, and that's where our encouraging community comes in.
At TerraBella Southern Pines, low-impact exercise is woven into everyday life. Residents are encouraged to move around during the day, with inviting walks through our grounds being a treat on sunny days. Our activity calendar is packed with fitness ideas for seniors, including:
You'll notice the last one is physical activity for older adults that is also a lot of fun! When you join our community, you'll soon discover that exercise for aging joints is something you look forward to when you're doing it in safety and good company.
Aside from the general benefits we have briefly mentioned, there are specific health advantages that come from regular low-impact exercise.
Seniors need to build muscle tone, but must do so without straining their muscles. Low-impact sessions at TerraBella Southern Pines, like Morning Workout with Angela and Cardio Workout with Caroline, help residents improve core stability, arm strength, and leg endurance.
Falls are one of the most common challenges seniors face, and balance training is a crucial part of prevention. Gentle workouts such as Exercise with Kristine, walking club, and guided stretching sessions help build muscle coordination and make everyday walking easier and safer.
Unlike high-impact workouts that would challenge joints with arthritis and other conditions, low-impact cardio gets the heart pumping and joints moving safely. Light movement in games like Wii Bowling is a great way to keep moving while having fun.
Movement is one of the most powerful natural mood lifters. Low-impact routines increase circulation, support brain health, and release feel-good endorphins.
At TerraBella Southern Pines, workouts are also social experiences. Whether it's joining the walking club, participating in group cardio, or simply moving as part of other activities, you can make new friends, share jokes, and boost your mood simply by being with others. As the Cleveland Clinic highlighted, even just socializing can boost seniors' mood and help reduce symptoms of depression.
All of us want to remain as independent as possible for as long as we can. This is the goal of senior wellness routines. Strength, balance, and flexibility make it easier to continue bathing, grooming, getting dressed, and moving from spot to spot for as long as possible.
At TerraBella Southern Pines, our instructors understand our residents' needs. Because our classes are low-impact, they are suitable for almost everyone and can be adjusted according to your age and capabilities.
Simply put, they won't reap the benefits mentioned above. They are more likely to suffer from:
That's why physical activity for older adults is so important, and why TerraBella Southern Pines puts so much emphasis on getting as involved as possible.
According to the CDC, seniors need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This should include a mix of cardio, strength, and balance training.
However, seniors with limited mobility and other issues may struggle to work out with this level of intensity. So it is important to work out with your healthcare provider what is safe and sustainable for you at this stage of your life. You can then choose exercise classes in our community that match your needs.
For some, regular exercise is the most difficult of all the healthy aging habits to get into. Having a friend to work out alongside can really help. You can then motivate each other and hold each other accountable.
So, talk to another resident who you know works out and ask if they will be your "gym buddy." Agree to a schedule, and then stick to it!
Our activity calendar makes it easier to turn good intentions into real habits. Start off by picking two or three activities you would like to get involved with every week. Make those anchor points in your week -- something you will only miss with a very good reason!
To allow for unexpected events, earmark a couple of extra sessions you can join if something disrupts your regular routine.
Choosing low-impact exercise for seniors at TerraBella Southern Pines is one of the easiest ways to support your health. With daily opportunities, from walking club to seated exercise classes, you can stay active and healthy without straining your body.
Another key benefit of TerraBella Southern Pines is that we have two senior care communities on one campus. Choose a pet-friendly community that can truly care for your long-term needs. Schedule a tour today!