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Group exercise is an essential component of a well-rounded activity program, offering residents the opportunity to move intentionally, improving fine and large motor skills, strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion.
However, doing the same routine every day can lead to monotony, reducing the physical and cognitive benefits of exercise for participants. Activity staff may also become bored or complacent.
To keep your program fresh and engaging, try incorporating some of these tips!
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Here's a list of exercises that we do with the residents every morning!
1725024638-exercise_list_for_residents
Thank you for sharing Roberta!
We do a Zumba class off YouTube that is seated. Zumba for seniors. I have adapted it a little but my ladies and gentlemen love it. They say they feel like they have exercised!
Hi Restvale
Oh what a great idea
You have not included brain gym exercises
Hi Linda, there are lots of fun brain gym activities that can be found on Golden Carers, here are a few ideas:
https://www.goldencarers.com/13-fun-brain-activities-for-seniors/4910/
https://www.goldencarers.com/4-neurobic-brain-exercises-for-baby-boomers/7175/
Hi everyone.
Most of my residents are in wheel chair so I use exercise CDs, one in particular called Light and Lively. It has good rhythm and there is a voice coaching the moves. I also go to YouTube and find exercises that is good for sitting and wheel chair, using different ones so that the residents do not get bored with the same exercise. Having music while exercising is good because it keeps the residents timed. Sometimes we play "Balloon Tennis". This game, the residents sits in a circle, we use two inflated balloons, foam noodles and the object is to keep the balloons in the air. So as the balloons get to them they hit it to someone else and they all keep it from falling to the ground. Of course I am there with them for safety and to keep the balloon within the circle. They really enjoy that game and in the process it helps with exercising the shoulders and arms and helps with hand and eye coordination.
I enjoy this site because it has help me as activities director try new things and I have been learning at lot here as well.
I wish everyone all the best and God's blessings.
Thank you so very much for your feedback Cecilia. Balloon games are so much fun! Wishing you all the best!
Great idea Cecelia to use foam noodles, I usually use fly swats ! I’m going to get the foam noodles. Thanks for that idea.
God’s blessing on you too.
Hi Cecilia
Thank you for all the great information I’m sure will be helpful
What Kind of exercises do ya'll recommend for the nursing home setting?
I think the ideas and comments in this article are great ideas Eileen
It depends on your residents of course
See what they respond best to
Let me know if you have any specific questions
Music is one of the tools I use however sometimes it is hard for me to find good exercise music. Any suggestions. I also ask one of the residents to run the exercise and I assist with anyone who needs assist.
Hi Tara
Music is a pretty individualized thing because it depends on the group you are working with
I like YMCA
The hokey pokey
When the Saints go marching in
And the ideas suggested in this comment
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/24461/
Great idea Alison
I like props too
The residents seem more engaged when they use them
Props are a great way to add variety. I usually run an exercise session ahead of another physical activity. For example, if we will be using bean bags for our challenges, then we also use them for our exercises.
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