The Power of Group Exercise for Aged Care Residents

It is often said that “many hands make light work,” and this is especially true when it comes to exercise.  If you really care about achieving your health and fitness goals, group exercise can go a long way in contributing to your journey. 

Group exercise is when you train with others for fitness or as a form of physical recreation for fun. And it has been shown to have numerous benefits for physical and mental health, particularly for older adults. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of group exercise for Aged Care residents, and how it can help you stay active, engaged, and connected. So, if you’re looking for a fun and effective way to improve your fitness, consider the power of exercising together!

The Importance of Exercise for Aged Care Residents

Before we dive into the power of group exercise for Aged Care residents, it is important you understand why you should care about exercising in the first place. As we get older, our bodies undergo numerous changes that can affect our mobility, balance, and overall health. And that is perfectly normal, but can be tough too!

Fortunately, regular exercise can help to mitigate these changes, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of numerous health conditions. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. But even more, exercise is especially important for aged care residents for the following reasons:

1. Maintaining mobility: As people age, they tend to experience a loss of muscle mass and flexibility, which can make it harder to perform everyday activities such as walking, standing, and reaching. Exercise can help you to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of mobility issues and enabling you to remain independent and active as you age.
2. Improving heart health: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among older adults. Exercise can help to improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, increasing circulation, and improving cholesterol levels. This can reduce risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
3. Preventing falls: Falls are a major concern for older adults, as they can lead to serious injuries such as fractures and head trauma. Regular exercise can help to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and associated injuries.
4. Improving mental health: Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. For older adults, regular exercise can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Aged Care Residents

Sometimes, exercise is much more enjoyable with a friend. This is why we insist that the power of group exercise for aged care residents is immense. Here are some of the key benefits of group exercises for aged care residents:

1. Social interaction: Group exercise provides an opportunity for social interaction and connection, which can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Regular participation in group exercise can help you to build a sense of community and belonging, while also providing opportunities for friendship and support.
2. Motivation: Working out with others can be a powerful motivator, helping individuals to stay committed to their fitness goals and push themselves to achieve more. Group exercise programs often provide a supportive and encouraging environment, which can help to build confidence and self-esteem. If you always feel unmotivated to exercise on your own, you should give group exercise a shot.
3. Safety: Seniors group exercise programs are often designed with the safety of older adults in mind, providing low-impact exercises that are appropriate for individuals with mobility issues or other health concerns. In a group setting, individuals can receive guidance and support from trained professionals, reducing the risk of injury.

Some examples of group exercise programs that are suitable for Aged Care residents include:

1. Chair-based exercises: If you have mobility issues or balance problems, these exercises are perfect for you because they are performed while seated. Chair-based exercises can help to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, and can be performed in a group setting.
2. Tai chi: Tai chi is a low-impact exercise that involves slow, flowing movements that are gentle on the joints. It can help to improve balance, flexibility, and strength, while also promoting relaxation and mental well-being.
3. Yoga: Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that can be adapted to suit a range of fitness levels and abilities. It can improve your flexibility, balance, strength, and mental health, while also providing an opportunity for relaxation and stress relief.
4. Aerobic exercise: This kind of exercise can help boost cardiovascular function, strengthen lungs and airways, and improve everyday stamina. But what counts as aerobic exercise? Walking, swimming, and using a stationary bike are all good choices for aerobic exercises. Thirty minutes a day is the recommended amount. This can include three short, 10-minute sessions spread out over the day.

Tips for Getting Started with Group Exercise

If you’re hoping to start off with group exercise, the following tips will help you get along just fine:

1. Start slowly: It’s important to start slowly and gradually build up intensity when starting a new exercise program. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and ensure that your body has time to adapt to the new demands.
2. Choose a suitable program: When choosing a group exercise program, it’s important to consider your fitness levels and personal preferences. Programs that are too challenging can be discouraging and increase the risk of injury, while programs that are too easy may not provide enough of a challenge to be effective.
3. Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting a new exercise program, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physiotherapist. They can provide you with guidance on appropriate exercise routines and any modifications that may be needed to accommodate specific health concerns.
4. Listen to your body: It’s important to listen to your body when starting a new exercise program. If something doesn’t feel right or causes pain or discomfort, it’s important to stop and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
5. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to exercise. It’s important to commit to a regular exercise routine and make it a priority, even on days when you may not feel like it.

How Easy Exercising Can Help Aged Care Residents

If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy the benefits of group exercise, then look no further than Easy Exercising. We help Aged Care residents monitor their health, enrol in physical and strengthening activities and maintain their mobility through Aged Care Exercise Programs. But even more, we have built a close-knit community where you can achieve your health and fitness goals among people just like you.

Simply put — We help people age gracefully – and have a lot of fun in the process –  and we have the best equipment for doing so. Our power-assisted exercise machines are designed to help you achieve your fitness goals without stress. They’ve been meticulously developed and tested over the years by industry leaders and they’re the obvious choice for anyone to shape up without breaking a sweat.

Here’s what Anne who’s in her late 70s had to say about Easy Exercising:

“My husband and I went to a gym… There were a lot of younger people around and I felt intimidated. At Easy Exercising, I found that I was exercising with my age group and that they had similar injuries and issues. The staff were ready to help, as and when I needed assistance. I am now fitter and have more energy. I feel like a 60 year old and I can now do those tasks that a 60 year old can do.”

So, if you’d like to enjoy exercises among friends who will motivate you, then come and join Australia’s best fitness centre for adults today.

You can try out our machines before paying to see if they’re right for you, and there are absolutely no lock-in contracts.

Sound like the community for you?

Sign Up for a Free Trial Session at Easy Exercising

Interested in trying out our power-assisted machines for yourself so you can regain the mobility you had in your prime? Want to learn more about our incredible clinics across Brisbane? Or just want to step into a welcoming, fun community that gives you a purpose, a place to be, and helps you feel supported every step of the way?

Leave your query below and one of our lovely team will be in touch to help! 

"I had a very good hour doing Easy Exercising which isn’t hard on your joints. I think it’s good for any over fifties to try as they will find it so good for their different problems or just to have some general exercise. There is a qualified person supervising you on each machine & its a very sociable environment." - Margaret