Physical exercise is essential for everyone to stay in good health. But if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, light to moderate exercise is still very important. These activities will slow the heart rate, open arteries, and lessen shortness of breath. Mitigating these symptoms will result in less hospital time and a potentially longer, healthier life.
The way to achieve a better quality of life is to exercise in a way that makes sense for you. Be sure to ask your physician which activities are safe, and set up a schedule that allows for easing into any new routine. Begin with just a few minutes at a comfortable speed or intensity, then increase the duration and intensity of the workout slowly over time.
The recommended target for individuals with mild to moderate heart failure is 30 minutes of low-impact exercise five times per week. This may include walking, biking, or swimming. If you are a caregiver, you can help your loved one to find an activity that is enjoyable to them.
Flexibility through Yoga
Yoga highlights meditation, breathing exercises, and slow movements. It helps improve balance, loosen joints, and assisting in increasing range of motion. For those living with the reality of heart failure, doing yoga regularly can be very beneficial. To maintain safety, it is recommended that newcomers to yoga take a class with a trained professional. Another benefit to taking a course in person is the opportunity to make friends and grow a social group.
Cardiovascular Workouts
Seniors can use regular supervised cardio exercise to strengthen the heart muscle and improve circulation in heart failure patients. Walking is an easy place to begin to improve fitness levels and have a positive impact on overall mental health and well-being. If an individual is new to exercise, be sure to take it easy at the beginning – approximately 10 minutes a day is a good start. An excellent way to gauge how the body responds is to make sure that they can carry on a conversation while exercising. Choosing a favorite activity – such as dancing or gardening – is the best way to stay diligent about exercise.
Strength Training
Strength training utilizes weight to tone muscles and build stronger, more resilient bones. Using resistance bands or light weights to strengthen big muscle groups – including the heart – is typically a safe method for senior citizens with heart failure. Still, as we have stated, it is vital to consult with a physician before beginning any new exercise. Heart failure patients are likely to be prohibited from lifting heavy weights.
Rest and recovery between workouts are essential for anyone but is especially necessary for seniors and those living with heart failure. You must pay attention to how your body feels, make sure that your body is recovering between sessions, and get plenty of sleep.
At A Banyan Residence in the Villages, we provide a gym designed to encourage beginners and accommodate those with established fitness routines. The facility has cross trainers, latitude trainers, barbells and weights, yoga chairs and mats, and a therapist table. This means that whatever your fitness goals or therapy needs, we can accommodate. To learn more about our facility and residences, call for a tour today.
A Banyan Residence provides quality memory care and assisted living accommodations for Florida residents.
