Making Exercise Part of Your Daily Routine
Why It Is Never Too Late to Start
Perhaps you have not been as physically active as you should have been in the last several years. Between COVID-19, life stressors, and other factors, it can be difficult to start and maintain a regular exercise routine. Well, now is the time to change—no matter your age!
There is so much evidence that movement is good for us. The general recommendation is 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week. This could include walking, dancing, and even completing household chores.
These tips will help you start a daily fitness routine that you can stick with.
- Start slowly. Whatever you choose to do, take it slow. Consult with your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine and take caution. Over-exercising can lead to injuries.
- Find a movement that you enjoy. If you do not enjoy yoga workouts with an instructor, whether in-person or online, you probably won’t follow through. Perhaps you love to walk—walking is a great exercise!
- Focus on a variety. Your workouts should include endurance, balance, flexibility, and strength.
- Try to fit it in the morning. For many people, working out earlier in the day makes it easier for them to stay motivated.
- Drink a lot of water. Drink water before, during, and after your workout, whether you feel thirsty or not.
- Break it up. You don’t have to do 30 minutes at a time. Maybe you take your dog on three 10-minute walks throughout the day. Again, start slow, and build up your endurance over time.
If we can provide more tips or resources on exercise for older adults, please feel free to reach out.
