Mature Adults are an ever-growing population. As we get older we can still keep, regain and improve our fitness level which includes endurance, balance, and agility. You are never too old to start exercising. You are never too old to continue to improve your life by moving. This is your opportunity to preserve if not increase your quality of life – empower yourself!
- Talk to Your Doctors. It should go without saying that before entering into an exercise program you should consult your doctor. Other reasons can also include the medications you are currently taking that can already affect your balance or impact your workout in other ways. Get those eyes checked too. Especially as our vision does change over time we may not realize if it is fact has.
Mix things up on your own or join Class pass, Lymber or other options that give you the opportunity to sample out different studios and gyms. Regardless of what you do, keep your body guessing & sprinkle in some variation.
3. Stretch and Cool Down. It is important to continue (and even increase the length of time that we do it) stretching and a good cool down as we get older. Sure you can still run the basketball court at full tilt with the youngins. But you need to incorporate some dynamic movements into your workout to prime that body better to do what you expect it to do. Keeping those joints lubricated and fostering mobility is key to keeping you off of the injured list.
4. Test Your Balance. Like everything else that changes in us as we get older is our balance. This does NOT mean that we lose it. Remember that saying – Move It or Lose it? Yes, that applies here too. Read for yourself about the importance of balance training for older adults.
5. Thumbs Up To Strength Training. Some time of resistance such as dumbbells, body weight, resistance bands, sandbags, kettlebells machines etc. The numerous benefits include improving your bone density, helping to maintain your weight. Think about training for life. You need strength to do many movements that seem effortless because we have the strength and endurance to do so. Don’t wait until you are having difficulty carrying those groceries or squat down to get something off the floor. Improve your quality of life & avoid falling into the pit of thinking that you can’t preserve or even improve the strength that you do have. As with anything involving fitness keep on challenging yourself but allow for the time to learn and improve.
7. Improve Your Posture. Improved posture can be a byproduct of a moving in ways that get you on the fitness train. Contribute to that by looking at what you are putting our your feet every day. Yes, heels are bad for you. Maybe by this point that is not going to change this quickly – then take the first step to being proactive. Start showing your feet, calves and rest of your body some love and do the stretches. Also, it is time to ditch those favorite pair of workout shoes. Treat yourself and exercise on some old soles that are not making those knees happy. If yoga or other mind/body forms of fitness are of interest to you reset your body often so it does not get stuck in that sitting down all day or other habits that lead to bad posture.
8. Avoid Gimmicks or Jumping on the Latest Fad. As the saying goes, if it is too good to be true definitely applies to fitness and your health. Do your research as if you were buying a used car, investing in a house or some other big transaction. This should be no different if not more important – this is your body. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. For sure try out new things, just understand that there is no one-size fits all aspect to fitness and one’s progress.
