We're a few months now into the new year. Raise your hand if you made a resolution to get more exercise? Have you kept your promise? By the time you've committed to starting a regular exercise program, you've likely made up your mind that you're ready to do that daily walk, start a strength training routine, or go to more yoga classes.
For some folks, developing a new exercise habit is easy. For others, it can be a challenge. For adults over 65 years old, The Center for Disease Control recommends at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity five days a week, at least two days a week of strength exercises, and incorporating activities to improve balance.
How can you keep your motivation to move when you're busy taking care of your grandkids, would rather stay home to watch TV, or are dealing with aches and pains that sometimes come along with aging? Here are some tips from the National Council on Aging for older adults to stay motivated to move.
Put fun front and center. Moving doesn't have to mean slogging away alone on a treadmill. Try listening to music or your favorite podcast, meeting a friend for a walk, joining a group fitness class, or taking your grandkids swimming.
Get social! Moving is more fun with friends. Finding a group of like-minded folks who have the same goals of making exercise a regular habit will hold you accountable and keep you coming back for more. Interested in pickleball? Try an intro workshop at your local gym or community center. Love to dance? Hit a Zumba class. Passionate about a cause? Sign up for one of the many local walks or runs in Alaska such as the Alaska Run for Women or Alaska Heart Walk & Run, get connected with other participants, and start training together leading up to the big day.
Mind over matter. Visualize yourself getting stronger and healthier with regular exercise. Imagine being able to comfortably play tag with your grandchildren, easily lifting groceries out of the trunk of your car or playing a round of golf this summer – without the need to ride a cart.
Set goals. It can be intimidating to jump into a new fitness routine. Start small by trying a few 10 to 15 minute at-home workouts. Or visit a local gym and ask for a fitness consultation with a personal trainer. Personal trainers can work with your unique needs and goals to help design the right exercise program for you.
Give yourself a break. If you need a break from your exercise routine, take it! Hitting the gym doesn't always have to mean putting in a tough workout. Recovery is just as important. Get a massage, relax in a sauna, or do a less-intense workout on the days you're not feeling it. Building breaks into your fitness routine will help you come back stronger and stay motivated to keep moving.
Tracy Dumas is the Director of Marketing and PR for The Alaska Club.
