Get Motivated to Exercise Regularly Even as You Age
Why Make Exercise Part of My Routine?
Regular exercise is essential, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. As we age, it’s crucial to maintain strength, balance, and muscle mass to prevent falls and enable us to perform daily tasks. Exercise also lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it can improve one’s mood and sense of self-satisfaction.
How to Get Started
Getting into the habit of regular physical activity can be challenging. The motivation to get moving is different for everyone. Initially, you’ll need external motivation – I want to be able to play with my grandkids or keep driving the car – until you see results and the motivation shifts to internal, according to Dr. Amy Eyler, a professor of public health at Washington University in St. Louis.
“Build to your goals,” Eyler explained. “Just walk whenever you can. You can walk for 10 minutes pretty much anywhere – indoors, at work, at home.” And, if you’re trying to encourage others, look for positive reasons rather than nagging.
‘I Always Hated Gym Class’
Kathryn Dettwiller, 77, got pushed into exercising 34 years ago by her husband. “I always hated gym class,” she said. “I always hated getting down on the floor.” She works out in a gym twice a week with a trainer, which she said gives her added discipline and motivation. “The external has become internal because I realize I need it,” she said. She cautioned beginners to expect some setbacks – minor injuries – and not to be discouraged.
It Added Structure to His Life
Rick Bolsom, 82, enjoys the structure of having a trainer. In his case, his wife got him started almost two decades ago, and he’s into a three-times-a-week routine. “I kept doing it because I had a sense of feeling better,” he said. “The key to me was probably doing it with a trainer. The structure really helped me to continue with it. Now it’s just become part of my life.”
Flattery Will Get You Everywhere
Dr. Grover Smith, a retired radiologist, is 86 and still going strong. He attributes this partly to training regularly in a gym three times a week, a habit he didn’t start until he was 74 and well into retirement. He was coaxed to go after several visits to his cardiologist.
“I’m not only fit, but now I also get flattered,” Smith said. “I tell the story about a recent visit to a doctor who, after looking at his charts, told him: ‘Dr. Smith, you look 15 years younger than your age.'” Smith laughed as he added the punchline. “I would have told her to get her eyes examined – except she’s an ophthalmologist,” he quipped.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular exercise is essential for physical and mental well-being, especially as we age. It’s crucial to find ways to stay motivated, whether it’s through external or internal factors. By making exercise a part of your routine, you can maintain strength, balance, and muscle mass, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall quality of life.
FAQs
* How do I start an exercise routine?
+ Start with small steps, such as taking a 10-minute walk each day.
+ Find an exercise routine that you enjoy, such as yoga or swimming.
+ Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best exercise routine for your age and health status.
* What are the benefits of exercise for older adults?
+ Regular exercise can help maintain strength, balance, and muscle mass.
+ It can lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
+ Exercise can improve mental health and reduce stress.
* How can I stay motivated to exercise?
+ Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class.
+ Celebrate small victories and milestones.
+ Make exercise a part of your daily routine, such as right after waking up or before bed.
