It’s never too late to get in shape. In fact, working out on a regular basis is important as you become older to prevent health conditions as well as to feel good mentally and physically. There’s no need to make the trip to the gym, though — you can exercise at home by downloading an exercise app. Whether you’re looking for a challenge, have mobility problems, or fall somewhere in between, there are options for you.
1. Silver Sneakers GO
Probably the most popular exercise app for seniors is Silver Sneakers GO. The app offers a variety of cardio, strength training, balance, and flexibility routines. Made specifically to meet the needs of older people, the workouts have different versions of the exercises, enabling you to choose whatever suits you best.
2. Tai Chi at Home
Tai chi is ideal for people of all ages, but it’s particularly useful for seniors who need exercise that’s easy on the joints. Tai Chi at Home is suitable for all skill levels — from beginners to those who want to take their tai chi practice to the next level. There are several hours of lessons available, ranging from short exercises to the 66 moves of the White Crane tai chi form.
3. Workout for Older Adults
Available just for iOS devices, Workout for Older Adults has a range of routines for strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. The app is designed for seniors looking to improve their health and reduce their risk of falls through low-impact exercises. You’ll be able to create a personalized plan based on your current fitness level and goals. There’s also the option to turn on reminders to ensure you stay on track. Plus, you can connect with others in the community to keep your motivation high.
- Cost: Free for basic features or $19.99 a year for all features
- Exertion level: Low
- Link to download: iOS
4. Chair Yoga for Seniors by Livo
Another option just for iOS is Chair Yoga for Seniors by Livo. This is ideal if you want to practice yoga but need the extra support a chair provides. After an initial assessment, the app can create a 28-day plan for you that will gradually build up your strength, balance, and confidence. There are currently more than 100 workouts available, and the app regularly adds new ones.
- Cost: $39.99 a year
- Exertion level: Low
- Link to download: iOS
5. Yoga for Beginners | Mind+Body
If you want more than just chair yoga, try Yoga for Beginners | Mind+Body. It has mat workouts, fusion yoga and pilates, and stretches (such as for after another workout). All the workouts are for beginners, but you can search for just those in the 50+ category if you want ones specifically for seniors.
- Cost: Free for basic or $19.99 a year for all the workouts
- Exertion level: Low to medium
- Link to download: iOS, Android
6. Daily Yoga®: Yoga for Fitness
One more option for yoga practice is Daily Yoga®: Yoga for Fitness. Every day, the app releases a new challenge that’s perfect for beginners. Plus, there are new classes every week, meaning you’ll never become bored. Choose between classic yoga, chair yoga, sofa yoga, wall pilates, and weight loss challenges.
7. Wall Pilates Workout: WallFIT
There’s also an app just for wall pilates. The idea of Wall Pilates Workout: WallFIT is it tones muscles that you would otherwise neglect. This is useful for seniors who are looking to gain muscle mass and lose weight. Since you have the support of a wall, you should find you’re able to do many of the moves even if you have some mobility issues.
- Cost: Free for basic or $19.99 a year for all the workouts
- Exertion level: Medium to high
- Link to download: iOS, Android
8. Workout for Seniors: Better Me
Available just for Android is Workout for Seniors: Better Me. The workouts require nothing more than a chair or mat and are designed for things like losing weight, easing leg pain, fixing a hunchback, and preventing falls.
- Cost: Free for basic or $19.99 a year for all the workouts
- Exertion level: Low to medium
- Link to download: Android
9. Senior Fitness-Workout for 50+
Another option just for Android is Senior Fitness-Workout for 50+. It’s designed for seniors with limited mobility, including those with knee, hip, or neck pain. There are sitting workouts like chair yoga and chair aerobics as well as standing exercises.
- Cost: Free
- Exertion level: Low
- Link to download: Android
10. Over Fifty Fitness
With the Over Fifty Fitness app, you have access to around 1,000 guided workouts. There’s a new workout calendar each month, but you can also search for the workouts you’d like to do. These include options for beginners, lower back pain, and osteoporosis. Most of the workouts require no or only minimal equipment.
11. Mighty Health
Created by healthcare professionals, Mighty Health offers thousands of workouts with cardio, aerobics, stretching, and yoga exercises. There are even some specifically to help the joints. The app also provides courses to help you sleep better, reduces stress, and improve your metabolism. You may be able to receive a subscription for free through your health insurance, especially if you receive insurance through an employer.
12. Just Dance Now
More active seniors may want an option that encourages them to move their whole body. If you’ve always enjoyed dancing, try Just Dance Now — the app version of the console game. It features more than 500 songs from all over the world. Although some of the dances are high intensity, many options are low impact. Plus, collecting achievements and competing with others is great for motivation.
- Cost: Free for one song a day or $24.99 a year for unlimited songs
- Exertion level: Medium to high
- Link to download: iOS, Android
13. Caliber Strength Training
If you specifically want to practice strength training, try Caliber. The great thing about using weights is you can target every muscle group in your body but avoid pushing yourself too far out of your comfort zone. The free version of this app gives you access to 500 strength-training movements to try. If you want expert guidance — which is ideal for avoiding injuries — pay for a group or private training.
- Cost: Free for basic, $19 a month for group training, $200 a month for one-on-one coaching
- Exertion level: All levels
- Link to download: iOS, Android
14. Future
If the idea of having a personal trainer appeals, download Future. The app will connect you with a personal trainer who creates workouts just for you, based on your fitness level, goals, and the equipment you have at home. You’ll receive a video guide for workouts and can send videos back for your trainer to check your form.
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