Description
Strengthen your core and boost your confidence with 5-minute exercise routines for seniors
Having a strong core can improve mobility, reduce aches and pains, prevent falls, and build everyday confidence. 5-Minute Core Exercises for Seniors makes it easy to incorporate daily exercise for seniors, with a collection of 40 individual movements and 25 quick routines for strengthening the major core muscles.
This guide to exercise for seniors helps you:
- Get to know your core—Learn the muscle groups that make up your core, the benefits of keeping them strong, the importance of breathing and stretching, and the latest science behind exercise for seniors.
- Enjoy a wide variety of exercises—Discover a range of seated, standing, on-the-mat, and weighted exercises that mimic everyday movement and don’t require any special equipment.
- Follow step-by-step instructions—Find how-tos and illustrations for engaging the right muscles and preventing injury, as well as tips to increase or decrease the intensity of each movement to meet your needs.
Improve strength, balance, and confidence with this detailed introduction to core exercise for seniors.
C. Cowles (verified owner) –
I guess I’d be considered an early senior. I’m in my early 50s. However, I do have COPD and many exercises are beyond my abilities so I decided this book might be a good fit for me. So far I like it. There are plenty of core strengthening exercises that don’t count on pushing out fast reps that will help me strengthen my core and keep it stronger. I would definitely recommend this to seniors, exercise beginners and anyone else needing a slower pace workout that will strengthen their back, stomach and other important core muscles.
Brad4d (verified owner) –
This is a great book for Seniors who are new to Exercise. These exercises are aimed at getting you moving and in a safe way. The illustrations and explanations are excellent and easy to follow – a great beginning. As I aged, I found that my balance was going so I decided to do something rather than have to worry about falling and breaking something. 5 min a day is a small price to pay for helping your body get stronger.
The book has clear instructions and is well illustrated with simple to follow directions. The authors have included modifications in case you need them.
Try it and see how much better you feel.
N. B. Kennedy (verified owner) –
Some of the exercises in this book are quite simple and easy to explain in written directions, absent video or audio explanation; for example, a diagonal crunch done in a chair or standing side bends. But some exercises are just too complicated to rely on written directions — there are too many ways to do the move wrong and hurt yourself.
For example, on p. 79, a squat with a twist is described. While the directions concerning the feet, torso, shoulders, hips and back are all spelled out, the arm movement is shown but not described, so how do I know what to do? Also, twisting while holding weights is a dicey proposition, as generally it’s safer to lift objects (whether everyday objects like grocery bags or weights for exercise) straight up. There’s too much chance of back injury with this move, unless the person already has some level of strength in the core and no history of back trouble (which is hardly anyone at this stage in life!).
I also feel that anyone who exercises should first talk with a doctor or trainer, as this book points out. That way, you’ll know if you should avoid any particular type of movement. For example, because of hip pain, I can only do exercises that are “bilateral,” that is, the same movement is performed on the right and left side at the same time. I can’t lift one leg and then the other, or push with one foot and then the other. This is the kind of information you need to exercise safely, no matter what age you are.
I like that the exercises are tied to their usage in everyday life. No one’s training for the Olympics at this stage, so the purpose of exercise should be to enable you to get through the day without injury.
Lizz A. Belle (verified owner) –
Cindy Brehse draws upon her experience from as s Silver Sneakers instructor and Golden Hearts fitness specialists to co-author this well-organized and liberally illustrated guide for Seniors.
The book covers the importance of developing and maintaining core strength for maximizing mobility and balance as one ages. It highlights myths and mistakes about exercise and advises the reader to consult their health care practitioner before embarking on the program.
Exercises are divided into four categories: seated, standing, and mat exercises as well as exercises with weights. I especially appreciated Chapter Three, which groups combinations of the exercises into 5 minute routines that address common activities of daily living, aches and pains, and working with a partner.
The directions are clearly written and are enhanced by the illustrations. Since positioning and correct movement are crucial, perhaps a video to accompany the book would provide greater assurance that the exercises are being performed safely.
Overall, it is a worthwhile investment of both time and money.
sanoe.net (verified owner) –
“5-Minute Core Exercises for Seniors: Daily Routines to Build Balance and Boost Confidence” has a good range of exercises. They are well explained. I like that the exercise has an illustration. They are well explained and it doesn’t go too long. It is simple and straightforward so it makes it easy to start up.
crystal (verified owner) –
I am a certified personal trainer and this book is a great buy! Not for the cross fit crowd but for all the rest of us that want to be healthy with simple real world exercises that can be done safely and enjoy it. I love the description and pictures. So easy to follow I can even hand the book to a client and let them see “you can do this”. Fitness can be very intimidating for obese people and seniors, this book solves that problem. GREAT EXERCISES that will be effective.
OLT (verified owner) –
The older I get, the creakier and less flexible. That’s normal, I suppose, but it can be counteracted with a little more stretching and exercise. But not jumping around like crazy and hoping nothing breaks. This book gives you sensible exercises more for keeping your body functional than for burning calories.
Divided into three main chapters, the book has a first chapter which is mainly informational. You learn about your muscles, your core, the importance of stretching and proper breathing. The second chapter is the forty exercises included in the book. Each exercise is a two-page spread, with very illustrative drawings on the left side and the very clear instructions to the right. You also get some ideas on modifications, either up or down in intensity. These exercises, BTW, are divided into those you do seated, those while standing, those on a mat and those with weights.
The third chapter is quite clever. Each two-page spread here is a bundle of four of those exercises of the second chapter to help your body with the routine motions of daily life. For example, pp. 114-115 gives you a bundle of four exercises that will help with a trip to the grocery store. You know, picking things off the shelf, packing and unloading the car and putting away groceries.
Yeah, yeah, all you young’uns will think, “Oh, how silly and boring.” Ha! Just you wait.
Susan Nault (verified owner) –
I like this booklet very much. An easy exercises for seniors without straining your body. A big factor for me is I don’t have to go out in bad weather and I do the exercises any time I want.
mery mery (verified owner) –
I liked the timing and completes of the excersizes. but some not so easy, but then there are big cores to work with
Martin Baton Rouge (verified owner) –
For seniors makes it easier to move with the arthritis, back, knees, arm & hand pain you always start out slow our Dr. said add 2 rep’s) on day 2) until you think you’re comfortable with a full workout. Every other day we do the easy day. Our friends are ordering books now , after seeing the enjoyment of Workingout has helped us.
Shane Castle (verified owner) –
My dad really hated this. But I enjoyed it I used it for gag gift. But joke aside. It’s really good to loosen yourself and it’s best not gag gift but if your getting in years this well help you not get hurt so often. Again I just red it not do it. But looked helpful and it’s easy read so if I was not so young and jokingly send this to my dad as a joke. I feel it would help for real.
Cathi (verified owner) –
I like that are pictures and instructions to follow.
Barb (verified owner) –
This is a helpful book for starting a program of fitness for a person who has not exercised in a while or for helping your aging parent maintain a functional life. Cindy and Tami have included many routines to keep you focused so you don’t have to come up with them yourself.
Reba (verified owner) –
Easy to understand instructions and pictures to illustrate.
HKC (verified owner) –
This is a very easy-to-use exercise book with simple illustrations and excellent tips to avoid pulling muscles or straining your back. Has a combination of seated and standing core exercises along with combinations that are meant to be helpful for various chores or specific areas (such as Hip Pain, Back Strain, Sports Fan, house cleaning, gardening, etc). I highly recommend for all seniors as well as anyone trying to get from a sedentary life style (due to illness, surgery, etc) back to being more toned and energetic.
susan colbert (verified owner) –
Easy to learn
A Floyd (verified owner) –
I gave this as a gift to my parents who are in their late 70’s. The exercises are simple with clear illustrations. Has really helped improve balance and some minor aches and pains.
Gforce11 (verified owner) –
Very Good Purchase
Norman H. Albertson (verified owner) –
I spotted this book on one of the blogs I read. Got it in two days, began reading and exercising with it. Oh, by the way, I have COPD and I have not done much exercising for years. I’ve ordered more books and gave 10 of them out in Sunday School to my class. All 10 were taken up. I’ve given 2 copies to 2 doctors and you should have heard their thrill and excitement from them over the books. I’ve bought another ten copies to pass out to some more of my friends. I want to keep my friends healthy!
Ms. Jones (verified owner) –
easy to follow instructions and nicely categorized, making it easy to customize a brief routine for your issues. i do a short generic video workout for seniors, followed by a few posture and balance exercises. easy to mix them up as needed too.
Jeremy E. (verified owner) –
I bought this for my grandmother so she can limber up a bit.
I found this book to be very informative. There are plenty of illustrations to show each motion and exercise.
Mary Jo Morrison (verified owner) –
I don’t like to exercise & be obligated to a class & class times. The illustrations are very well done with complete detailed instructions, so I’m sure I will attain success with this book on my own & in my own time allotted. It seems to be an excellent book to follow.
shirleyv (verified owner) –
This was a great , easy to read and select specific areas you need to target. Very doeable exercises with suggestions to make exercises adapt to your particular needs. Was worth the purchase. Able to use now at my current level and also in the future. Excellent!
Diane (verified owner) –
It’s ok if you have never exercised in your life or if you never watch tv.
It’s very basic but ok
Carolyn Drake Compton (verified owner) –
I am 90 and I need exercising for circulation and flexibility. I do not have proper motivation to do exercising by myself and this book helps. The pictures are easy to follow so I can be sure I am doing them correctly.
Daniel J (verified owner) –
Idea for my needs.
Diane L. Janes (verified owner) –
Lots of valuable information. I am 72 years old, recently reached my goal weight and in the process of core strengthening. I feel better than I did 10 years ago. This book has been both inspiration and full of how to exercises. Thank you Cindy.
Smilard (verified owner) –
This is a great little book to get started moving. Five minutes a day is very doable and some routines can be done anywhere. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their physical condition. The pictures and explanations are easy to follow.
Valorie (verified owner) –
I am going to continue to try most of these exercises, what my body will let me. So far it is great and they are not hard, just do what you can, they don’t push more than you can do.
Tea or Coffee (verified owner) –
This book is a life changing experience! Highly recommend it. It is easy to use. The way it is formatted provides options for mixing various exercises to focus on specific areas. Illustrations are easy to follow. It was very good purchase.
Joan Mathews (verified owner) –
I took this book with me when I was taking physical therapy after knee replacements. My therapist was impressed and took the title and author to share with others. She marked several exercises for me to add to the exercises we were working with. I highly recommend this book.
debkev (verified owner) –
Most exercises I CAN”T DO because I am fat and totally unfit. This book is easy to read and ASSUMES you can’t jump up and down like a 20 year old, hence they actually are doable and if you actually do them you will notice a difference.
David (verified owner) –
When I go to yoga classes, the teacher often takes one look at me as I walked into the room and announces to the class, “Today, we will focus on core poses!” LOL I am resistant (and always have been) of working my core. That said………
……I love this book! The exercises are fairly easy to do (some extremely easy) and very effective. The illustrations are very good. I bought the spiral edition which makes it easy to lay the book flat as you follow the easy step-by-step instructions on the page on the right facing of each exercise–the illustrations of the exercise appears on the left page facing. After using this book enough, the illustrations alone (along with the “Remember” bubbles) are all you may need to remind you of how to do that particular exercise.
You can use the suggested 5-minute routines in the latter part of the book or even work thorugh each group of core exercises which doesn’t take that long. The four groups of core exercises are: Seated Exercises, Standing Exercises, Mat Exercises, and Excercises with Weights.
The availabe Cards look like they would facilitate easy groupings of the 4 different exercises which make up the many routines in the back of the book. However, I find the spiral-bound book easy enough to flip to the page # of the exercises and mark the spot with a “post-it note” for quick access. The routines give you the page number of the 4 individual excercises that make up the routine. One day I may eventually buy the card deck as well.
Highly Recommended!!!!
Eleanore Miller (verified owner) –
This is a great resource for those of us seniors who have fallen off the track toward the Battle of the Bulge. It includes simple to follow exercises that help strengthen the back, flatten the tummy, and increase flexibility. At 73 and with degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis, many of these exercises have worked for me in the sessions I have had with physical and occupational therapists in the past, and I trust that they will continue to help me get back on track and help with spinal support, flexibility, and back pain relief. Glad to have all these exercises in one place!
Sandra T (verified owner) –
I love this book; pictures are designed to be simple and demonstrate the poses well, easy to read info. The recliner is NOT your friend! Get up and get moving!
JEANNE GOIN (verified owner) –
Love this book! Nice layout. Easy to follow. And I Love that the illustrations show normal people, people like most of us, instead of already super fit skinny people! Great book!
Noreen Reilly (verified owner) –
The large illustrations and clear directions make this easy to follow. The exercises are excellent. Kudos to the authors and illustrators of this book!
Sharon in Iowa (verified owner) –
I was taking therapy for back pain. when I was done with therapy I felt like I should continue with the exercises. This book had many of the same exercises I did in therapy plus many more. I found nothing that was difficult and think it is the perfect book for seniors.
Margaret Weisman (verified owner) –
Excellent resource for seniors. It’s methodical approach, excellent pictures and narrative make it exceptionally easy to use. Also the exercise groupings based on different aspects of daily life or activity is especially useful
navy wife (verified owner) –
This is a great book, the exercises are great, many of them are done on chairs if you cannot get on the floor, or better still get back up from the floor. I had joined the gym just about the same time this book arrived, so I went to the gym and rode the bike and walked the treadmill, I think I will quit the gym and do the exercises in this book.
J. M. H. (verified owner) –
These exercises are fabulous for strength and balance! Illustrations make moves crystal clear. I know this book is making a positive impact on my strength and balance and health. Just what I need!! Highly recommend.
Louise (verified owner) –
This is an astonishingly effective exercise book for Seniors or anyone who has neglected their physical fitness for a few years or more. I was impressed immediately with the map of the major core muscles as this gives you a quick perspective of the exact areas you will be working on. I had no clue! But could then picture the area when I was doing the exercise. I did not picture the muscles going as high as the lats. I was initially confused about what the Core muscles were as I thought they included the glutes, the quads and the hamstrings as well as some of the stomach muscles. However, when I immediately felt the difference overnight, I realized that I had been way off track on what I thought I needed to work on! Most exercises incorporate at least one or two of 5 of the eight core muscles shown PLUS one or two other areas not shown on the map, but are used often enough to complete the overall strengthening of the whole body. I think Cindy has creatively put together 40 critically important combos of exercises that always contribute to a very strong core while at the same time pairing with very important secondary muscle groups to come up with total body strengthening. I was amazed at how quickly my posture improved along with greatly improved core strength, combos doubling up for a faster rate than I ever would have thought possible. I also tried very hard to get the positions just right and the inhaling and exhaling (which I hate to do!!) It was hard work but very exciting when I saw how quickly it worked! Thank you, Cindy!
Lee (verified owner) –
Great exercises for seniors and anyone who has had joint surgery.
Rhonda Junge (verified owner) –
Enjoying the book
Catherine B Friederich (verified owner) –
Excellent writing and helpful photos. So easy to follow!
Mary (verified owner) –
Great pictures and text to explain the moves. Some are not possible for me as I can’t get down on the floor anymore at 76 or on my knees due to knee replacement – would like alternatives for those exercises. I can do the majority of the ones offered and am glad they are presented as having a purpose for daily life activities. All in all very good purchase I will be using regularly.
Keep kids GMO-free (verified owner) –
This book is so informative and helpful. Very easy to understand exercises. It did not take long doing 20 minutes a day to strengthen my core muscles. I feel much more stable and not so likely to fall. I bought 4 more books for my friends!
Ysf (verified owner) –
Easy to follow! Doable!
Imajen (verified owner) –
Like the spiral so that it can be lain flat.
Lori from Alberta (verified owner) –
Love the ideas. Love the information. Love the book!
Donna (verified owner) –
Easy to follow
Diane Larremore (verified owner) –
I use the recommended exercises daily.
Lola K Leth (verified owner) –
All the details pictures and written information
mug (verified owner) –
Good information
Belle (verified owner) –
Simple, east to understand exercises. Good illustrations. Excellent organization of 5 minute exercise sections. Good job! I can already feel the difference.