Reaching old age doesn’t mean giving up on moving, but it does mean doing it wisely 🧠. Many older people are encouraged to “exercise,” but they are rarely properly advised on which exercises can be dangerous for their physical and joint health, let alone what alternatives exist! 😓

In this article, we reveal 5 exercises that could cause serious injuries if you’re already in your senior years, no matter how harmless they may seem. And most importantly, we give you safe, effective, and adapted options so you can stay active without sacrificing your well-being or independence 💚.

If you’re over 60, or are caring for someone who is, this content can help you avoid one of the biggest health mistakes: injuring yourself trying to get healthier.

1️⃣ Leg Press 🦵🚫

It seems simple: you sit down, place your feet on a platform, and push off… but this movement can be a trap. In older people, leg presses put enormous pressure on the lower back and knees, especially if the weight is not controlled or the technique is incorrect.

🧠 Why is it dangerous?

It forces the lower back into compression.

It can aggravate herniated discs or lumbar strain.

It increases the risk of meniscus injuries.

✅ Safe alternative