As we age, injuries can occur more frequently, aches and pains can appear out of nowhere, muscle resilience decreases and we begin to lose strength. All in all, our bodies are less forgiving and it’s easy to lose the energy and motivation required to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. However, this is one of the times in life when strengthening and conditioning are most beneficial to our wellbeing.
Just as it’s important for growing children to exercise, it’s incredibly important for older men and women to integrate a holistic fitness routine into their daily lives. Your regime should change as you get older, so it includes suitable exercises that don’t cause excessive discomfort or exhaustion, but are challenging enough to build and balance muscle.
Playground Centre are experts in what’s best for children, however we also have a range of equipment and fitness apparatuses that are highly beneficial to an older age bracket.
We’ll explore the uses and benefits of some of our best selling exercise equipment that will produce a positive outcome for elderly men and women who are looking to stay healthy, strong and happy!
Ex Bench Fitness & Gym Station
The Ex Bench is a multi-purpose apparatus that integrates well into community spaces like parks and recreational facilities. It was developed by human movement specialists exclusively for Playground Centre, and aims to deliver a strengthening, full body workout.
Best Exercises:
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Squats
- Step-ups
- Lunges
- Leg raises
- Core exercises
- Stretching
Benefits:
This fitness station promotes:
- Agility
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Dexterity
- Coordination
Bodyweight exercises are the focus with this piece of equipment, which encourages strengthening without straining and overworking the muscles. To learn more about the Ex Bench and for visual cues, watch our informational video here.
Balance Beam Fitness Station
Walking on uneven ground can cause dangerous falls resulting in injury. The Balance Beam Fitness Station is a simple piece of exercise equipment for older adults, designed to improve balance and coordination.
Best exercises:
- Walking along the balance beam with arms outstretched (ensure the participant has an adequate level of strength to complete this)
- Test balance b placing one foot on the beam and the other planted firmly on the ground
- Toe tapping, alternating feet
Benefits:
This balancing apparatus is a great way for older people to maintain balance, and can also integrate the notion of engaging the core to assist with stability.
Air Walker + Dip & Crunch Gym Station
This specific gym station targets muscle groups including legs and hips, upper arms and the core. It encourages the use of bodyweight exercises and is gentle on the joints.
Best exercises:
- Air walking: using a striding motion to increase heart rate and improve mobility in the shoulders and hips
- Tricep dips
- Crunches
Benefits:
This fitness station promotes:
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Dexterity
- Coordination
- Muscle toning
The Air Walker + Dip & Crunch Gym Station is part of the 8-unit Max Health Outdoor Gym Equipment Range.
Cycle Strider + Stretching Gym Station
Stretching the entire body is crucial for holistic health, reduced muscle soreness and flexibility. This station is great for use with any other exercise apparatus, as it encourages a stretching session before and after each workout.
Best exercises:
- Use the cycle strider by pushing and pulling to create a full body movement
- Use the bars and frames as support for desired stretches
Benefits:
- The cycle strider is an excellent warmup exercise as it increases the heart rate and creates mobility in the joints
- Stretching increases flexibility and decreases the chance of injury
The Cycle Strider + Stretching Gym Station is a part of the 8-unit Max Health Outdoor Gym Equipment Range.
Chess Board & Pieces
Train the brain and the body with this outdoor chess board! Not only does it promote cognitive thinking, but it encourages movement and social interactions.
Benefits:
- Requires movements including walking, lifting and pushing
- It’s a fun and social activity that doesn’t feel like forced exercise
The key to successful exercise regimes with older age groups is to ensure variety, so everyone can find a fitness activity they enjoy! Give members of your community the opportunity to get in shape, build strength and improve their quality of life by feeling their best. Create an exercise set up for seniors in your urban areas, with a selection of specially designed equipment from Playground Centre. Contact our friendly team to find out more about which equipment will work best in your area.