Exercise and fitness are essential no matter your age. There are so many options to consider, no matter your physical condition. Older adults benefit from exercise and fitness activities for many reasons. Misconceptions about exercising and aging can prevent seniors from taking full advantage of the benefits. While exercise is essential as you age, it is common to experience setbacks and discouragement. Fortunately, there are easy ways to stay active and motivated to exercise that can encourage you to be active regularly.

Learn How Your Physical Health will Benefit

Before starting an exercise routine, talk to your doctor or physical health specialist about what kind of exercise is right for you. Understanding how your physical health will benefit is a form of motivation and brings purpose to your efforts. Take some time to research why exercise is important for seniors. Think about your health and any personal goals. Do you want to maintain your weight? Do you have a chronic health condition you want to manage better? Do you want to improve your strength and balance? Think about how your physical health can benefit from exercise. Once you understand how you can benefit, determine which forms of exercise are best and how often you should do them. Working with a personal trainer may also be helpful when choosing physical activities at a senior fitness Riverside facility.

Don’t Forget Your Mental Health Too!

Think about your mental health and how regular fitness can help. Exercise can help you sleep better. Studies have shown that older people can fall asleep more easily and wake up refreshed with regular activity. Exercise can help relieve stress and help boost your mood by reducing feelings of anxiety and sadness. Many seniors even report feeling more self-confident and more assertive. Seniors can engage in multitasking and reduce the risk of memory loss and certain brain disorders.

Get Familiar with Exercise Myths for Aging

Many myths about activity and aging keep seniors from engaging in physical activities that can benefit them. Some seniors think there is no point in exercising because they are too old. This is false because exercise actually reduces disease and illness risks. Exercise can help manage blood pressure and minor aches and pains. Some seniors think they can fall or get hurt easier if they exercise. This is false because exercise helps build strength and improve balance. There are different ways to exercise that are safe and fun. You can be as creative as you want and make your activity meaningful. Address any concerns you have about exercising by talking to someone you trust.

Consider Ways to Make Exercise Interesting

If you don’t like the idea of exercising, many options can help you make the most of it. Be creative with your time and space. Lift weights to your favorite music. Walk laps in your neighborhood or the local mall. Play an outdoor sport and make it competitive like tennis. Take a walk in the park while bird watching. Exercise with peers by taking a class for Senior Fitness Los Angeles sports centers offer. Watch your favorite show while using the treadmill. Get together with your friends for a group walk or stretch. Play with your dog or visit an animal shelter to volunteer. When you feel stressed, take a walk or find a friend to walk and talk with you.

Get an exercise buddy to do activities with you. They can be your go-to friend when you want company while exercising. A workout buddy can encourage you to stay active and try out new activities.

Determine an Exercise Routine

The key to staying active is to choose activities you will enjoy. Choose activities you can do regularly that will benefit your health. The exercises you consider should make your workouts enjoyable. Your routine may include fitness activities such as balance exercises, cardiovascular exercises, flexibility workouts, and strength training. It is common to consider other activities such as senior sports and classes for senior fitness Riverside exercise facilities have to offer.

Tips for How to Start

After getting approval from your doctor, consider any health concerns that may pose an issue. Make a schedule to help you commit. Pay attention to your body for signs of discomfort while exercising and know when to stop. Start your activity slow and build steadily. Do warm up and cool down exercises to reduce injury. Consider diet changes to accommodate your activity levels.

Motivation Tips

Set short-term goals to make exercise easier to achieve. Reward yourself by having something to look forward to after exercising. Learn about exercise classes you can take for senior fitness Los Angeles offers. Keep track of your progress with a journal or mobile exercise app. Get support from family and friends who will encourage and motivate you.