Exercising as a senior is one of the most important things you can do for your health. In addition to helping control your weight, it also builds and maintains muscle mass, helps prevent falls, and can even boost your mood and help stave off dementia. So why aren’t you exercising?
Sure, you won’t be able to jump into an advanced CrossFit class and keep up with people decades younger than you. That’s completely understandable, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Do as much as you can right now. Not as much as you think you should, or as much as you could 10 or 20 years ago. Even walking for a few minutes a day can make a big difference for your health.
With a huge caveat that you should absolutely talk to your doctor about any exercise program, chances are good that regular cardio sessions will make your heart stronger. It’s a muscle that needs to be used like any other, so try a brisk walk or a water aerobics class to get your blood pumping.
Here’s a secret: You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get fit. In fact, all you really need is a decent pair of sneakers. Walk around your neighborhood or try some simple bodyweight exercises such as squats. If you do want to join a gym, look for ones that have senior discounts or a lower tier of monthly membership fees for just the activities and classes you want.
If you’re nervous or unwilling to go solo, there’s good news! Plenty of places have walking clubs, gardening groups, and other community organizations. Check on meetup.com or with your local senior center. You can also talk to the YMCA to see if they have classes geared towards exercising as a senior. Who knows—you may even make some friends!
If something hurts while exercising as a senior, don’t keep doing it! Part of aging is relearning your limits, so don’t push yourself as hard as possible. Water-based exercises, such as water aerobics, aqua Zumba, and swimming, are easier on your joints than other options. And if you’re still feeling skittish, see if you can find a tai chi class in your area. The ancient exercise form was created in China specifically for gentle-yet-effective movements.
Nope! Sorry, but this excuse just won’t wash. Exercise actually helps you look and feel younger, so what are you waiting for? Start off slowly, and try lots of different things until you find a few different activities you enjoy. Aim for about 150 minutes of activity per week—that’s 30 minutes a day for 5 days. You can do it!
