This article was contributed by Ambrose Jones.
Staying committed to an exercise regime can be tough at any age, but in our later years, we might find it even harder to get into the habit of exercising regularly. it’s important to take care of your health during every stage of your life, and whilst getting started early is beneficial, it’s never too late to begin taking better care of your body.
Need a little help sticking to your workout routine? Here are a few ideas to help you get moving.
Keep It Simple
Even very simple exercise regimes can be effective. Start off by choosing a few exercises that you feel comfortable with and work work up to a more challenging routine if desired.
A brisk walk can help to keep your heart and lungs healthy, whilst weighted exercises will help to build your strength. If you feel able to, attend a class to try a new activity and meet like-minded people. Avoid over-committing, however, as a simple routine you enjoy is likely to be much more effective than a complicated schedule you find difficult to stick to.
Do a Little Each Day
A particularly long workout can be tiring when you’re just starting out. It’s best to start off slow, making time for a little exercise each day, and increasing the length of your sessions as you get fitter. Not only is this approach likely to feel more manageable physically, but it may make your schedule feel less demanding too.
Remember that even twenty minutes of exercise is better than nothing, and you can always add more activities to your regime as you see fit. Commit to an amount of exercise that you know you can manage and count any extra chances to work out as a bonus session.
Find Activities You Enjoy
It can be fun to try out new things, particularly if it results in finding a sport or activity that you love. There’s something for everyone, no matter your ability – yoga and water aerobics are popular choices for those wanting to enjoy gentle exercise and are great options if you’re looking to improve your mobility and strength. Tennis and badminton are fun sports that make for a fast-paced cardio workout, and swimming, climbing, and cycling are all great solo sports that you can enjoy at your own pace.
Depending on how challenging you want your exercise regime to be, you don’t necessarily have to take up a sport to improve your overall fitness. Hobbies like dancing and gardening, and even chores like household cleaning, can help to keep you on your feet.
Remember Your Reasons for Starting
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important at every age. As we get older, we may find that we have to work a little harder to stay mobile, maintain a healthy weight, and keep the aches and pains at bay. Therefore, a little motivation can be necessary.
It might be that you want more energy to keep up with your grandchildren, or that you’ve noticed your mobility decline and want to make sure you can continue to do the activities you enjoy into older age. You may simply want to stay fit and healthy to lower your risk of certain health conditions. No matter your goal, you’ll want to keep it in mind as you begin your new exercise routine in order to stay motivated.
Seek Medical Advice
Before starting any new exercise regime, you’ll want to speak to a medical professional to make sure it’ll benefit you. If you have a health condition, you might find that there are certain exercises or activities you’ll need to avoid. Similarly, there may be specific exercises that that’ll help to improve certain health conditions – so it’s always worth getting advice from your GP.
Don’t feel discouraged if there are exercises you’re advised not to do. A combination of gentle movements and a daily walk can work wonders for your health in your later years. Commit to doing what you love and try the exercises that feel right for you, for a healthy exercise regime that’s both beneficial and enjoyable.
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