During the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, one of several fitness and exercise options we recommended for homebound seniors included At Home Workouts which feature Franciscan Health Fitness Centers own certified instructors! Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, these are still convenient workouts for everyone to use when they can't get into the Clubs. Several Group Exercise online workouts are available on our website at FranciscanHealthFitnessCenters.org.

Click on the News & Events tab and you will find the video link inside of a descriptive blog. Highly recommended for seniors are Zumba, Senior Express, Strength and Balance, and Low Impact Boot Camp. Make sure to practice great form and listen to your body. If the movement is too challenging, don't force it, modify it to an easier move!

The second recommendation is meditation. Many of us, seniors included, may be experiencing stress during this time and taking the time to meditate, even if it is for 2-3 minutes, would help give you a sense of peace and calm that can benefit your emotional well-being and overall health.

Before starting a fitness routine, seniors should be careful of doing any movement or activity that causes pain. If you are performing a movement and it is causes pain or a pain is getting worse, listen to your body and stop! Be sure to rest between exercises and drink plenty of fluids while participating in any fitness routine. Additionally, make sure you have had a light snack before starting any workout to prevent exercising on an empty stomach which may lead to dizziness and/or fainting.

According to the CDC, older adults and those with severe underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing more serious complications from COVID-19. It is in their best interest to stay home! Having access to online home exercise routines will allow them to stay active while staying protected.