They say April shower bring May flowers — but here in Florida, we know that occasional rain and stormy weather happen well into the summer months, too. That’s OK: It’s a small price to pay for living in such a beautiful climate! Fortunately, you don’t need to let unexpected rain get in the way of your active routine. If you typically enjoy outdoor exercise like walking or biking through Westminster Towers’ Orlando independent living community, here are a few indoor activities to try that will be just as rewarding.
(Tip: As is the case with starting any new fitness regimen, it’s smart to check with your care team ahead of time! They’ll be able to guide your new routine on a more personal level. In the meantime, we hope these ideas give you a head-start.)
Yoga
Yoga is a fantastical physical and mental wellness practice — one that can help you build your balance and flexibility while making you a more mindful person well after putting the mat away for the day! Many people like to use spa music or nature sounds when practicing yoga and, well, there’s no better soundtrack than the actual pitter-patter of rain on your gorgeous Westminster Towers picture windows.
That’s the other great thing about yoga — it can be practiced in a formal group setting, but it can just as easily be enjoyed from the comfort of your very own home! That is very good news for those particularly wet days, when it’s not safe or convenient to brave the rain in pursuit of a workout.
Take A (Stationary) Bike Ride
If you do happen to be at the Westminster Towers state-of-the-art fitness center during a rainy day, you can use that opportunity to replicate your outdoor bike ride with a stationary one! You can still enjoy the view through our fitness center windows, after all, and you’ll be able to reap all of the benefits that come with your usual ride.
Strength Training
The Westminster Towers fitness center also has all the strength machines you might need for a successful indoor workout! According to a recent study featured in Harvard Health, strength training (from resistance bands to lifting weights, push-ups, and beyond) may be associated with increased longevity in older adults.
Core Exercises
Even if you can’t make it to the fitness center, there are several core calisthenic exercises you can do at home — using your very own body weight! These can be a surprisingly powerful component of your overall fitness routine.
Enjoy A Group Fitness Class
There’s nothing quite like working out in a group setting, where you have a teacher to guide every new move and maneuver — and have the benefit of other’s company, too, so the experience feels more like a fun get-together with friends than an everyday workout! Be sure to ask us about how to get involved in fitness classes as part of our My W Life wellness program. We can’t wait to have you at our next group class!
In the meantime, there are also plenty of online fitness videos that can help recreate the feeling of a group fitness class on a rainy day.
Dance
Yes, dance is a powerful exercise too! It can be done on your own, or in a fun-filled group setting. Either way, there are plenty of mind and body benefits to look forward to — and in our book, it’s the perfect way to brighten your spirits if you’re missing the sunshine.
We hope that today’s guide helps you find meaningful ways to stay active, no matter the weather outside! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite exercise in the process — and if nothing else, you’ll have a great backup for the next rainy day.
