Trainer shares 5 chair moves that restore walking strength after 60.<\/p>\n
Aging is no walk in the park. Stairs feel harder than they used to, or maybe walks become shorter, slower, or more tiring. Over time, weakened muscles around your hips, thighs, calves, and core can negatively impact your mobility<\/a>, balance, and independence as you age.<\/p>\n While many older adults assume gym workouts are the best solution, that\u2019s not always the case. Heavy machines and long workouts can sometimes create more fatigue than functional exercises, especially if you\u2019re already dealing with balance, coordination, or joint health challenges.<\/p>\n Research<\/a> published in Frontiers in Aging shows that functional lower-body exercises can improve walking speed, balance, and mobility in older adults more effectively than isolated machine-based training alone. Other studies<\/a> have found that low-impact strength exercises, when performed consistently, can significantly improve your gait mechanics and lower body endurance later in life.<\/p>\n With all that said, we have good news: Chair exercises can help you restore walking strength faster than gym workouts after 60. Chair exercises reduce joint strain while allowing older adults to strengthen the exact muscles involved in walking. They also make it easier to move consistently, which becomes crucial for maintaining muscle and mobility after 60.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n To learn more, we spoke with James Brady, CPT<\/b>, a certified personal trainer at OriGym<\/a>, who shares his top five chair exercises for adults over 60 to start walking better and faster. Keep reading for the exercises and step-by-step instructions.<\/p>\n