Leave a comment

4 Simple Tips on How Seniors Can Start Exercising

seniors exercising

Staying active when you’re young is important, but if there’s any age where fitness should be a focus of your everyday life, it’s your senior years.

Staying physically active, even for only 15 minutes a day, can significantly lengthen your lifespan, according to a recent study. Finding time and motivation to exercise can be difficult, and getting started can be intimidating for many seniors.

Here are four tips on how seniors can start exercising.

Take It Easy at First

If you’re new to exercising or haven’t exercised in a long time, don’t let a workout intimidate you. Remember that you have to start somewhere, and that nobody will judge you if you can’t complete a workout or need to take a break.

If you’re in a group fitness class, arrive early and let the instructor know that you’re new. They should be able to modify the workout to meet your needs and pay extra attention to you during class to make sure your form is correct.

If your goal is to walk a mile, start with a distance you’re comfortable with and set small goals to get there. You’ll eventually find the strength and confidence to go the full mile — literally one step at a time.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Advice

If you’re not sure where to start or what exercises are right for you, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You should always consult your doctor before starting any exercise. Additionally, consider hiring a personal trainer or seeing a physical therapist to identify weak spots and get workout ideas.

Don’t Forget Strength Training

Building muscle will help you power through life’s activities, like lifting groceries and climbing stairs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that seniors get two or more strength training sessions per week. Start with small weights and work your way up. Also consider resistance training, body weight exercises and yoga.

Join a Fitness Group

There are numerous seniors’ groups out there that focus on staying active, such as BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s Silver Sneakers program. Check your local community and fitness centers to see what programs are available near you.

Resources like the Knoxville Office on Aging’s Recreation Library, the Metro Nashville Government’s Senior Recreation offerings, the City of Memphis Senior Center locations and the Chattanooga Government’s Eastgate Senior Center offer lists of activities that range from water aerobics to table tennis.

Consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.

Mary Lambkin

Mary Lambkin is a Nashville native, blogger, and healthy living enthusiast. She lives in East Nashville with her husband and loves running through downtown Music City and around Shelby Park. Mary has run nine marathons and is always looking for new recipes to fuel her exercise adventures. Learn more about her at www.minutespermile.com.

More Posts - Website

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.

Filed under: Mind & Body

by

Mary Lambkin is a Nashville native, blogger, and healthy living enthusiast. She lives in East Nashville with her husband and loves running through downtown Music City and around Shelby Park. Mary has run nine marathons and is always looking for new recipes to fuel her exercise adventures. Learn more about her at www.minutespermile.com.

WellTuned provides inspiration and practical advice for healthy living.
WellTuned does not offer medical advice. Any personal health questions should be addressed to your doctor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *