Stage 1 Dementia — Exercise Guide
Goal: Keep the brain active, keep the body mobile, maintain confidence, and reduce anxiety.
Daily Exercise Plan (Stage 1)
Short, easy, repeatable.
Total time: 20–30 minutes.
1. Morning Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Gentle movements to wake up the body.
Neck & Shoulders
- Slow head turns left/right – 10x
- Shoulder rolls backwards – 10x
- Shoulder rolls forwards – 10x
Arm & Wrist Loosening
- Arm circles – 10 each side
- Wrist circles – 10 each hand
Benefits: Improves circulation, reduces stiffness, decreases anxiety.
2. Strength & Balance (10 minutes)
Very important in Stage 1 to prevent future falls.
Sit-to-Stand (chair)
- Sit, then stand up slowly
- Repeat 8–12 times
(Use hands if needed)
Heel Raises
- Hold a counter, lift heels up, lower slowly – 15x
One-Leg Stand
- Hold a chair
- Lift one foot for 5 seconds
- Do 3x each leg
Wall Push-Ups
- Stand arms-length from wall
- Push chest toward wall – 10–15x
Benefits: Builds confidence, leg strength, balance, and independence.
3. Light Cardio (5–10 minutes)
Pick one each day:
Walking (indoors or outdoors)
- 5–10 minutes at relaxed pace
Marching on the Spot
- 2 minutes marching
- 1 minute rest
- 2 minutes marching again
Dancing to Favourite Music
- Gentle movement
- 1–2 songs
Benefits: Boosts mood, heart health, and memory pathways.
4. Cool Down + Breathing (3 minutes)
Gentle Stretch
- Reach arms overhead
- Stretch side to side
- Slow calf stretch (Against a wall)
Deep Breathing
- In through nose 4 seconds
- Out through mouth 6 seconds
- Repeat 5 times
Benefits: Reduces stress, resets the mind, calms agitation.
Weekly Movement Goals
- Total walking: 60–90 minutes per week
- Strength training: 2–3 times weekly
- Stretching: Daily
- Balance practice: 4–5 times weekly
Optional Add-Ons for Stage 1
Yoga for Seniors
Chair or gentle floor yoga
Tai Chi (Very helpful for cognition)
Slow, controlled movements improve calmness and stability.
Light household activity
- Folding laundry
- Light sweeping
- Gardening
- Organising shelves
Helps keep the brain and body active.
Safety Tips for Stage 1
- Move slowly
- Stop if dizzy or breathless
- Wear supportive shoes
- Use stable furniture for balance
- Best after eating (not on empty stomach)
- Keep water nearby
Would you like…
I can make the following for you, sweetheart:
A printable PDF
A one-page exercise chart
A YouTube follow-along playlist (one click)
Stage 2, 3, or 4 matching exercise guides
Just tell me “PDF please” or “One click