Chair exercise for seniors.
A short burst of exercise.
NBC News reports research that reveals that “short bursts of purposeful activity –– such as walking around the block or lifting small weights –– may be the best way to get in the habit of exercising.”
Investigators “found that in adults younger than 65, these small acts of physical activity significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness.”
Meanwhile, “for older adults –– those 65 and older –– exercise “bursts” or “exercise snacks” significantly improved muscular endurance, and individuals were also extremely likely to adhere to these small bouts of exercise –– about 91% of adults and 83% of older adults routinely engaged in them.” This is fascinating because so many people begin exercise routines but then they quit adherence.
The findings were published in BMJ Sports Medicine.
NJ Marathon 2015 Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo. More exercise is better than less, especially if you are her age.
Paul Goldfinger, MD –10/8/25. : Over the years it became clear that regular exercise could promote health, but the fine tuning of this idea continues to promote new variations .
For example, brief aerobic routines such as walking or stair climbing helps improve cardiovascular health and muscular strength.
This idea of using “short bursts of exercise” is really encouraging. It shows that even brief routines, such as carrying groceries to the car can improve fitness. and that individuals can build exercise into their every day activities.
These short bursts can be as little as 3 minutes. Then you could build on that. The main concept is to be physically active as one lives one’s life. For example, if you work on a computer, be sure to get up and walk around for a few minutes.
However it’s actually not a new idea. In 2015 we posted a piece about the benefits of brisk modes of exercise:
And I know a physiatrist who tells some of his patients to forget the gym and physical therapy and just make sure that they are active during the day including standing, walking and light chores.
And don’t forget chair exercises for seniors–there are You Tubes which can lead you through such methods. And consider yoga which has a variety of benefits. We tried to help Fran as he dealt with CMA opposition of his yoga on the boards (“Yogagate” on Blogfinger.net)
FROM OLIVER–You can exercise by lacing someone’s shoe.