Have you ever had that feeling that your physical condition is going downhill? Have you been sedentary most of your life? Did you used to be active in your younger days, but have become a couch potato over the years? Are you past the point of no return — fitness-wise?
Many older adults have certainly felt that way, but there’s hope, and research proves it. Most recent studies show that, contrary to what we may think, it is never too late to start an exercise program. It can still add years to our lives and quality to those years.
Fitness, Your Way
All this is good news, indeed, but if we have been inactive most of our lives, how do we suddenly change course? What can be done to change long-ingrained behaviors and replace them with new ones? Older adults who have felt that exercise or taking proper care of themselves was not a priority earlier in their lives are not necessarily going to join a gym or start running marathons. It usually takes a wake-up call or an aha moment to change our ways. Sometimes it comes in the form of a warning from a doctor; at other times, it’s a serious illness or death of a close friend or family member.
Of course, we never want it to come to that, so what’s the best approach to getting started? As Socrates said, “Know thyself.” We know ourselves better than anyone else and we should ask ourselves honestly, “What is preventing me from doing this thing that I know is good for me?”
It could be that a gym membership is too expensive. Perhaps it’s the fear of looking foolish in a group fitness class. Maybe we don’t have the right equipment. Or are we afraid that we might get hurt?
It then becomes a matter of strategizing how to overcome those obstacles. Would an online class be cheaper than a gym membership? Can I work one-on-one with a trainer or work out with a video? Is there a way to borrow equipment from a friend or family member who doesn’t use it? Identifying and overcoming your roadblocks is an important first step.
Looking for a simple way to start? Here is an exercise that most people can do at home: Sit-and-Stands. As the name implies, start in a seated position on a chair; then stand up using your hands as little as possible. Repeat this 10-15 times, take a break, and then do it again. This is a great exercise to strengthen the muscles that not only help us sit and stand but also to walk.
I am excited to be a contributor to Northeast Ohio Boomer, sharing guidance (and hopefully, inspiration) toward a healthier future as we age. I have always believed that we are capable of change; who we are today is not who we are destined to be tomorrow. I was never athletic as a youth (always picked last for sports teams). I did not start to get serious about fitness until I was in my 40s. I sought out the help of fitness professionals and started a journey toward feeling stronger and healthier. I ran my first half-marathon at age 51 and soon afterward became a personal trainer — even though I was older than everyone else in the class by 30 years. I look forward to sharing my expertise with our readers.
In the meantime, remember: It’s never too late to start exercising. Let’s get started.
Michael Ungar owns At Home Senior Fitness serving Cleveland’s eastern suburbs, and also offers online coaching. He’s a Certified Personal Trainer, a Functional Aging Specialist and a rabbi. Contact him at athomeseniorfitness.net, 614-579-1336.
