Imagine if simply knowing a certain activity was good for human health made it easy to build a lifelong habit. Suddenly, everyone in the world would be eating plates piled high with veggies, flossing diligently every night, going to bed at a reasonable hour, saying no to dessert, and exercising multiple times a week. It’s just not that easy for most of us! But with a little determination, you can make valuable strides toward better health. If you’re hoping to move a little more, try identifying and overcoming barriers to exercise in your life. Especially in your senior years, working out can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort.
What’s Standing in Your Way?
According to the CDC, adults 65 and older should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Ideally, that will include aerobic workouts, muscle-strengthening exercises, and balance activities. If you have trouble meeting these recommendations on a regular basis, take a close look at your typical routine and ask yourself, “What’s stopping me?” If you can identify your personal barriers to exercise, you can begin pushing past them.
Do you struggle to find the time for exercise?
This is one of the most common barriers to exercise for people of all ages. How can you find the time to move your body? One of the best ways to ensure you work out is to do it first thing in the morning. That way, no other activities can dig into your exercise time. Another great tactic is to combine exercise with another daily activity you already do habitually. For example, perhaps instead of watching your favorite TV show from the couch each Wednesday, you could watch it while walking on a treadmill.
Do you find exercise boring or uncomfortable?
You may need to explore some other options for physical activity. If you don’t enjoy walking, maybe you should try swimming. If you’re not drawn to the idea of yoga classes, how about dancing? And if you get bored doing the same workout every week, try mixing it up! You might enjoy jogging, cycling, water aerobics, boxing, tai chi, pilates, golf (skip the cart!), or ballroom dancing — your options are endless!
Are you worried about the cost of classes or equipment?
These days, it’s easier than ever to access a variety of workout classes at an affordable price. If you live in a senior living community like Hearthside Senior Living, simply join an exercise class or club. If you want to work out solo, you could walk around the block or check out YouTube tutorials. You could even replace hand weights with soup cans if you don’t want to buy exercise equipment! Don’t let the potential costs stand in your way. Exercise is accessible at every price point.
Are you too tired to work out?
First of all, did you know that regular physical activity can actually reduce fatigue? We know it’s counterintuitive, but if you want to feel more energized, try exercising more often. In addition, take a close look at your sleep schedule. Are you getting enough sleep each night? Do you often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Explore sleep hygiene tips to improve your sleeping schedule and boost your energy levels. And if you still feel tired after that, talk to your doctor to get to the root cause.
Do you have other physical limitations?
Reduced muscle mass, joint stiffness, decreased flexibility, and similar issues can make it challenging to exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor first, discussing ways you might be able to increase your physical activity safely. You could also try starting very slow, with just 10 minutes of exercise at a time. Always warm up and cool down before your workouts to prepare your body for movement. Finally, pay attention to your body and aim to work out when you feel at your best. For example, if you experience joint stiffness, you may wish to avoid early-morning workouts, when stiffness is often at its peak.
Are you worried about injuring yourself?
Consider taking a class so that you can get instructions from a professional and focus on proper techniques. Ask questions when you feel concerned and see if modifications are possible. You might also be interested in exercises that reduce your fall risk, such as seated or water-based exercises.
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Everyone is unique, so your personal barriers to exercise might look a little different. However, we hope these ideas can help you pinpoint and overcome the issues standing in the way of your journey toward better physical fitness.
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities make it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. We would be happy to schedule a tour so you can explore the community, speak with the Community Director, meet some of the residents, and ask any questions you might have. To learn more about our amenities and services, please call 901-459-3853 (Bartlett) or 901-446-2532 (Collierville), schedule a tour, or send us a message online. We look forward to meeting you!