Exercising As You Age

Moving well is important— especially as you get older. Here are a few practices to help you embrace the aging process and stay active.

Find a Practice that You Love

As you age, life changes. The same can be true of your exercise routine! Give yourself permission to try new things and change your routine as time goes by. There are countless fitness tips for older adults that you can follow when choosing the right type of exercise for you, such as finding activities that are less vigorous and easy on the joints. Swimming is a good example, as this sees the water support your body while getting a full body workout. You may also want to consider fun and social forms of exercise, such as dance, Zumba classes or team sports. This adds an enjoyable and interactive element to fitness.

Stick to a Routine

Once you know what type of exercise you want to focus on, come up with a routine. This will get your body into a rhythm and will also allow recovery time between sessions, for your body to repair itself and build its strength. Having a routine is also a great way to boost your mental health and to limit excuses.

Gauge Your Limits and Embrace a Growth Mindset

Know your body’s limits and embrace the process of listening to your body. If your body is telling you that something is too much, slow down or move to something different. This will prevent injury and help you stay consistent.

Consider Hiring a Coach

Coaches not only help motivate us physically but also mentally. If you find that you’re stuck, feeling sorry for yourself, or dwelling on the past (what you used to be able to do) instead of embracing where you are, finding a coach can be a great way to shift into a new mindset.

Walk

Walking is an easy, fun way to get moving, plus it gets you outside for some sunshine and fresh air. Walking is great for all ages and is a perfect starting place if you’ve fallen out of your routine and need to get back to it.

What other practices have helped you embrace the aging process or modify your routines as you’ve gotten older? I’d love to hear.