Exercise for Older Adults

2 parent questions ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Where and how to try water aerobics

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    Jul 6, 2024

    I am interested in trying water aerobics.  I am 60 (so not looking for pre-natal classes). I want an easy-to-follow, low-impact exercise class, and the cooling water sounds appealing. Any experienced participants out there with advice about where to start?

    Jul 6, 2024

    Hi Karen,

    I Highly recommend the water aerobics classes at the Berkeley ymca!  There are 2 teachers and I have only been to Steven Wilson’s class but it was really fun, and great to all ages. You do have to be a member of the ymca but there is no additional cost for the classes , and there are multiple classes per week, hope that helps!


    - Julie 

    Jul 10, 2024

    El Cerrito swim center has aqua aerobics six days a week. It’s outdoors with music and a fun group of people. There are several different instructors that you could try out to see, which is the best fit for you. One of the instructors also teaches at a City of Berkeley pool so you may want to look into those as well if that’s closer by you. 

    Jul 10, 2024

    Aqua Exercise classes:

    City of Berkeley, 9am West Campus Pool (seniors which is 50 or 55 +)

    Albany MWFSunday 8am, MWF 10 am

    I know El Cerrito and the Richmond Swim Center also have them.

    Enjoy!

    Jul 10, 2024

    Cardiowithcarah.com - Carah teaches at the west campus pool Sundays at 9am. Participants are range from 40-80 and all levels are welcome. She is a super fun teacher with great energy. 

    Jul 10, 2024

    The pool at Mills College in Oakland has water aerobics, IRRC Mon, Wed and Friday at 9:30am. They can be done as drop in classes, so no long term commitment. And the pool is gorgeous (it’s outdoors)

    Jul 11, 2024

    Definitely make a plan to try at least two or three options before committing by buying a pass. Variables include instructor energy level, temperature of water, equipment used, locker room facilities, crowd levels, etc., so you really need to try a few places to decide which class will be easiest for you personally to stick with. And keep in mind that many pools will switch schedules in September so what's available now may change in a month or so. Overall you've chosen a great fitness activity to try, but understand it may take a few iterations to find the best fit class for you.

    Jul 17, 2024

    Look into City Club Fitness on San Pablo. You can try the class as they offer a week pass to try out the facility. The schedule is online.

    Jul 25, 2024

  • Home workout recommendations for elderly parents

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    Jul 2, 2020

    I’m trying to help my father-in-law get enough exercise while staying at home. Does anyone know of fitness videos or online fitness subscription services appropriate for elderly adults? He’s in decent health but needs something low-impact and not too strenuous. 

    Thanks!

    Jul 2, 2020

    My husband is a trainer who specializes in seniors. He has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and many post-graduate courses related to seniors and exercise. His oldest client is 88! He works at Anytime Fitness in Berkeley and also sees clients at their homes (he has lots of gear). Now with the SIP he’s also been giving private online classes and seeing clients at the park (keeping their distance, sanitizing equipment, wearing mask, etc). His name is Dario Mathias, you can read his profile here: https://www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/3170/berkeley-ca-94707/#section-staff

    let me know in case you have more questions! His number is (510)990-7163

    Jul 8, 2020

    Absolutely! Just google AARP exercise videos. I’m not even that old and AARP is an excellent resource for many topics.

    Jul 8, 2020

    Hi -if your folks can handle ZOOM - the local YMCA east bay offers exercise classes on ZOOM and they are free to Y members and non - members. There are chair exercise classes that are appropriate for older people. The Y also has free weekly exercise videos made by the athletic directors. Some of those are harder than others. Most can be modified for differences in strength and balance. I hope your parents can stay active. It’s so important for us all and the YMCA is here to help. 

    Jul 8, 2020

    "Sit and Be Fit" is on KQED2 at 7am most days. It's a great show for elderly folks with varying levels of strength and coordination. 

    Jul 8, 2020

    Please tell him to check out the YMCA: https://ymcaeastbay.org/healthy-living  They offer a variety of classes, including specifically for seniors, in different formats: live Zoom workouts, recorded workouts, and a "workout of the week" with instructions for a short routine to do on your own. These are free and open to everyone.

    Jul 8, 2020

    Do some searches on youtube. I have made my elderly parent a nice playlist of fun "workout videos" from this site. I categorize them by time: for example search "15 minute workouts for older adults"  They are fun and have communities that follow them, especially during COVID.

    Jul 8, 2020

    YouTube Qigong videos. An excellent one to start with is the 8 Brocades Qigong Practice https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3K-0JpiJu-o.
    I love it, it’s excellent. Others will also pop up and he could dabble and perhaps be inspired to try out other qigong videos. They’re relatively low impact, gracefully fluid, very calming and grounding. Highly recommend!

    Jul 8, 2020

    Would he be interested in gardening?   It's exercising with a purpose. 

    Jul 9, 2020

    I've been enjoying Zumba classes with Iris Perkins. The nice thing about zumba is you can easily modify it to your ability. You don't have to jump or bend if you are not able, you can just dance along. I've found her positive attitude to be infectious and people of all ages and body types are participating in the class. Honestly when all of this started these classes were keeping me sane, they gave me something to look forward to.

    There is technology involved. The classes are on zoom, I follow her schedule on instagram, and I pay her ($5/class) on venmo. If they can handle all that and might enjoy zumba, it might be a great option.

    https://www.instagram.com/browngirldancing/

    Jul 20, 2020

    My elderly parents got an exercise DVD geared towards seniors to use while their gym is closed and seem to be enjoying it - I don't know the specific video they have, but there are probably many options out there. They've also been doing Zoom exercise classes through their gym, but the video seems easier to use - no logging in or adjusting things, just put it in and push play.

    Jul 22, 2020

    I am a senior and missing the gym for sure. I am loving classes that are offered by a website called Senior Planet. They have two great aerobics classes and two great chair yoga classes each week. They also have some good stretch classes. You can join Senior Planet with a contribution or enjoy the classes for free. These are challenging classes but tailored for seniors.

    Jul 22, 2020