With today’s modern technology, you don’t need to have a gym membership to workout and be active. Sure, you can stream classes, read popular magazines, or attend local studios to get your fitness fix–but did you know there are several apps (some that are even free) that can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet that accomplish the same goals?

Remaining physically active throughout all stages of life is very important, especially for seniors. Exercise is an excellent way to maintain the strength and stamina needed to carry out day-to-day tasks. By adding 30 minutes of movement, five times a week, into your schedule, you may begin to notice these benefits:

• Improved strength to help you stay independent
• Improved balance to help prevent falls
• Disease prevention, such as heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis
• Improved mood
• Improved cognitive function

While there are hundreds of free exercise apps available, here are five accessible apps for you or a senior loved one to download and start today–no gym membership required! 

DAILY YOGA

This free workout app offers more than 100 yoga and meditation classes at a variety of skill levels to complete each day. Never practiced yoga before? Daily Yoga is a great play to start.

Yoga is often focused on improving balance and flexibility, which are two crucial components to maintaining mobility.

MAPMYWALK 

If running is no longer accessible, walking is an excellent option to maintain cardiovascular activity. MapMyWalk is a great app that allows you to set goals and track where you walk. The app tracks distance, elevation, speed, and several other metrics. What makes this app unique is that it shows other popular walking routes in your surrounding area that others have enjoyed. What a great way to get moving and remain connected with your community! 

JOYN

Looking for an encouraging platform to get your body moving? Give joyn a try! This free program can be accessed through the YouTube app. It focuses on joyous movements like dance and aerobics to lift your spirits and your heart rate and is accessible for all ages and body types. 

So, why dance? A recent study suggests that dancing can have positive health benefits for seniors. This includes but is not limited to improved:

• Flexibility

• Muscular strength
• Balance
• Cardiovascular endurance

Dancing is a versatile activity that can be personalized to fit your genre (ballroom, salsa, swing, tap, etc.) and musical tastes.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON 7 MINUTE WORKOUT 

The Johnson & Johnson: 7 Minute Workout app is perfect for seniors on a tight schedule. This seven-minute workout can be done in the comfort of your own home without special equipment. The app has 72 different exercises and 22 additional workouts that can all be customized to keep you excited and motivated. It is an intense seven minutes, but it gets the job done! 

BIG FIT GIRL 

Similar to joyn, Big Fit Girl is a widely accessible app for all ages and body types that offers a range of on-demand cardio and strength workouts. The app’s focus on body positivity and weight neutrality welcomes all people to enjoy the benefits of exercise. The app is structured for you to gain strength safely and confidently. If you are brand new to working out, or are in the rehabilitation phase from an injury, this is the perfect app to include in your daily routine. 

These are only five of the many apps out there. If none of them caught your eye–no worries. Browse the app store on your phone or tablet to find one that fits your fitness needs. Remember, getting any movement throughout the day is better than getting none at all. Once you start a regular exercise routine, you may be surprised at how good your body (and mind) will begin to feel!