Biceps Curl can help maintain arm strength while having to stay home

From Montana Office on Aging and Brilliant Aging

Weeks of sedentary days can threaten your independence. Join us for simple activities you can do at home to support independence a resilience.

Losing physical function was considered a normal part of aging, but now we know better. It's very common and predictable, but preventable. Build up your functional reserves of strength, mobility, and endurance to protect your independence.

Daily activities such as lifting, carrying, dressing, and getting out of a chair or tub require arm strength. If you feel fatigued after completing small tasks that once seemed easy, it's time to intervene! Improve strength by asking your muscles to do more than they've been doing on a regular basis.

Strengthen your arm muscles so you can more easily perform daily tasks, take care of your home or yard, and perhaps lift your grandchildren. Start with no weight and gradually add more as you get stronger.

Always follow your physician's advice on exercise.

Biceps Curl: Sit in good posture with arms relaxed at the sides, palms facing up. Bring the right hand to the right shoulder, then slowly return arm to the side. Complete 8-12 biceps curls with the right, then the left arm. Repeat both sides again. To increase effort, add weights as long as it does not cause elbow pain.

Brilliant Aging provides healthy aging resources and consulting. People can learn more by visiting http://www.kayvannorman.com .

Montana's Office on Aging provides services and support to people aged 60-plus and their caregivers. Find out more by calling 1-800-551-3191 or visiting https://dphhs.mt.gov/seniors online.