As we get older, our bodies require more care and attention to stay in good shape.
Consequently, we must remain active for the sake of our physical well-being, even if it means putting more effort into maintaining our weekly exercise routine.
Staying active is also vital for our mental health. It helps us maintain a positive outlook on life and combat negative thoughts.
According to a 2019 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26 percent.
However, being aware of these benefits does not always motivate us to take action. If you struggle with making movement a habit, you are not alone.
Fortunately, there are ways to find the necessary motivation, from exercising with a friend or a group and creating a senior fitness regimen suited to your needs to mixing up the activities you indulge in and coming up with a dedicated playlist for your trips to the gym.
Here are some excellent ways to get yourself pumped for the upcoming training session:
Set Realistic, Achievable Goals
The first step in any journey is to know where you are going. Regarding fitness, it means being aware of your current activity level and setting realistic, achievable goals.
Doing so will help you avoid injuries and see stable progress in your fitness capabilities.
If you are starting from scratch, do not try to run a marathon in two weeks. Instead, focus on completing smaller goals that will eventually lead to the desired results.
For instance, you can start with walking for 20 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks.
You can also consult a healthcare professional about the types of exercises you can engage in and which activities are off-limits to you. They may recommend a life alert device in case of emergency.
All you need to do is to contact your local primary care clinic and book a visit.
Find an Exercise Partner or Join a Group
Humans are social creatures, and we tend to stick to our habits when we feel supported by others.
If you need help staying motivated, look for an exercise partner or group with similar goals.
Working out with someone else not only makes time fly by but also helps us push our limits and achieve results we would not be able to obtain on our own.
It also gives us a reason not to give up on exercising, as we don’t want to let our friends down. This factor is particularly useful if you have tried to get in shape before but haven’t succeeded.
Although joining a group does not guarantee success, it will increase your chances of sticking with your fitness routine, especially if you have a lot of fun during the training sessions.
Joining a fitness class will automatically provide motivation as you always have a specific goal in mind — whether that is completing the course or simply finishing each pose or activity.
Create a Senior Fitness Routine Suited to Your Needs
A fitness routine should be designed specifically for the individual, considering their age, weight, height, fitness level, and health conditions.
To get the most out of each workout, set a specific time for your training sessions and stick to it.
It can be anything from early morning before the rest of the household is awake to late at night when everyone else is asleep or out.
You’re less likely to miss your workout if you set a time you know you won’t change.
Sometimes, you might have to improvise to fit a workout in, but it just makes it more fun.
For example, if the weather does not allow for outdoor exercise, look for indoor options nearby, such as health clubs and gyms with pool classes.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, consult a doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen.
Once you have been given the green light, look for a certified personal trainer who can help you create a workout plan tailored to your needs and abilities.
Incorporate a Variety of Activities
Doing the same thing over and over again can quickly lead to boredom, which is one of the main reasons why people give up on their training sessions.
To avoid this, make sure to mix things up and incorporate a variety of activities into your routine.
If you usually go for a run, try swimming or biking instead. If you like lifting weights, add some bodyweight exercises or HIIT workouts to your routine.
By varying the activities you do, you will not only avoid getting bored but will also stimulate different muscle groups, leading to better results.
Remember — the secret to getting fit is to get moving. There are so many ways to do that; you can hardly go wrong.
Keep an open mind about fitness and try out different activities. If you hate working out with one type of equipment or another, don’t be afraid to mix things up.
Create a Dedicated Playlist for Your Workouts
If you love music, listening to your favorite tracks is one of the best ways to get your blood flowing and boost your motivation.
Many athletes admit that listening to music is one of the best ways to get in the zone and power through a challenging workout.
But instead of randomly picking songs from your playlist, create a set list of tunes that match the pace of your sessions and suit the activity you are doing.
For instance, if you are going running outdoors, a playlist with fast tracks is better than one with country music tunes or slow rock ballads.
If you need help setting up your playlist, don’t hesitate to ask your younger family members for assistance. Alternatively, you can browse ready-made workout playlists on YouTube or other streaming services.
Remember to include songs that pump you up and make you feel good. The faster the tempo, the better.
Studies have shown that listening to fast-paced music can make your workouts seem less challenging.
Bottom Line
When it comes to staying active, there are no excuses. No matter how old you are, it is vital for your health and well-being.
You can achieve fantastic results even if you are not an expert at running, lifting weights, or doing yoga. All that matters is that you put forth the effort and have fun while doing so!
By taking the above tips into consideration, you can stay in shape and enjoy a healthy and happy life.
Start by determining your primary goal, decide what type of exercise you want to pursue, choose the best time of day to work out, and set realistic goals while paying attention to the factors that help or hinder your progress.
