Chair Exercises for Seniors came about after the author, Luke Adams, realized that getting older does not mean that a person's life is over. The latter part of life can instead be a time for exploring new interests and hobbies......like writing a book, as Luke Adams did! It was a fortunate thing for all the people that have been helped by his book, including me!
This book is not a long read, only 206 pages, 11 chapters listed below:
Chapters
1. Stay In Sync With Your Body—The Changes
2. Why Chair Exercises?
3. Get Your Chair
4. Warming up
5. Ankle and Leg Exercises
6. Neck and Shoulder Exercises
7. Upper and Lower Back Exercises
8. Arm, Wrist and Hand Exercises
9. Build Strength From Your Core
10. Cooldown & Recovery
11. Building Your 7-Day Routine
What Does the Book Contain?
The book as a whole is full of useful information, it is far more than just a list of exercises. It also deals with some of the psychology of aging, and the decisions that are made along the way that impact the life we will experience as we get older. The presentation of the material is easy to understand and is formatted in a personal, almost cozy, conversational style that is both interesting and appealing.
The following outlines what I found to be the most pertinent of what this book offers to the reader:
- An informative discussion of the changes the body goes through with age
- Concise explanations of what chair exercises are and why they are perfect for seniors; also how they benefit the different part of the body
- How to exercise if you are recovering from an injury
- Clear, easy to understand instructions with pictures for everything discussed in this book
- A 7 day routine designed to help strengthen your most used muscles
- Modifications for making the exercises easier for beginners or more difficult as you advance your fitness level as well as ways to modify the routine to fit your personal needs
- Low impact exercises that can help you to relax and reduce stress
- Exercises for specific parts of your body that you want to work on
- Warm up and cool down exercises that help you ease in and out of activities
- Advice on the equipment needed and optional equipment for the routine and the best attire to wear (much of which you already own, no expensive accessories needed!)
- How to stay safe while exercising, including before and after.
- Pertinent information of how exercise helps overall health, plus the improvement in balance and mobility which can help prevent falls
- The book ends with a glossary of terms, in case you are unfamiliar with some of the terms used.
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| Seated Knee and Hip Extension Illustration from Chair Exercises for Seniors |
My Thoughts
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I've seen mention of chair exercises on various online platforms, but didn't realize there was a book out there with exercises for us 'older' people to follow. Thanks so much for introducing me to "Chair Exercises for Seniors", Tracey.
ReplyDeleteI love that this book is about so much more than just the exercises, Tracey. Thank you so much for sharing your review of this excellent-sounding book.
ReplyDeleteLow impact exercises are exactly what many of us need and doing them while sitting in a chair sounds ideal. Aging definitely brings challenges, but I do like the idea of aging gracefully and embracing what we can still do.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is very important to focus on what you can do and then we can build upon that. This book sounds a very good guide to low impact and safer exercises to do as well as considering the psychology of aging. The more supple and flexible we can keep ourselves as we age the better the experience will be hopefully! I want to be the one outside and active if I possibly can :)
ReplyDeleteA very handy book to have on hand - If I didn't at least use my under-desk-bike I'd get less movement - staying flexible is key and that old saying that we lose it if we don't use it - this book is a good gift idea
ReplyDeleteGood review Tracey, this is one that I was having a look at as well. After having my mother's physiotherapist recommend some of these very exercises for her own mobility and strength. Trouble is that she can't remember, so having this book is essential. Glad that it is helping you too! I know I will be using it as well.
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