Starting a workout routine can be difficult, with so many other things monopolizing our thoughts. Most more mature women find that starting a workout routine will help calm their minds, relax their bodies and help them get better, less fitful sleep. Let’s explore simple and safe workout tips proven to help older women get the most out of their day, and keep their bodies healthy and active.
The importance of exercise for older women
While women do suffer from the same age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease, we also face special challenges due to chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or arthritis as we get older. Yes, women do generally live longer than men, but that means it’s even more important to maintain healthy habits to keep our senior bodies and minds healthy. Let’s explore several fitness and workout tips senior women are using to motivate themselves, and stay healthy, active and independent.
Find simple ways to make exercise fun and enjoyable
Whatever makes you happy, incorporate it into your exercise routine. If you love a good walk, try walking in a different area each day, for a change of scenery. If shopping is your thing, do your walking at a local shopping center! Some women prefer classes at a local gym or YMCA, where you can meet new people and get some help from the fitness professionals.
Frame your fitness goal
Setting fitness goals is an important element of staying motivated, as you work toward a clear goal. If weight loss is a goal, build your new workout routine around getting to that next target weight. If balance or strength are what you are looking for, try a yoga class or try lifting light weights in the gym.
Quality over quantity workout
Senior women know the benefits of quality of quantity better than most, and it’s important to incorporate this element into your new workout routine. You can use online tools to track your daily physical activity, and reward yourself for meeting your goals!
Dress for a workout
Dressing appropriately for a workout will both make you feel great, and will also help you stay active for longer periods. Make sure you have plenty of warm, sweat-wicking, comfortable workout clothes for the colder months. It’s also important for senior women to invest in a good pair of shoes, for increased balance and stability in all conditions.
Make exercise a social activity
If motivation is barring the launch of your new workout routine, invite a friend to exercise with you. Making exercise a social activity means both your body and mind are getting a simultaneous workout, and the fun you have with friends and workout-buddies will keep you motivated and excited to get active!
Take care of your diet
Your diet will go a long way toward building the healthy habits you need to stay active and healthy for longer. A well-considered diet means you will have a stronger body, and will also be able to stay active for longer.
Write down how you feel after every workout
Start a journal detailing exactly what exercises you did each day, for how long, and follow it up with a brief section explaining how you felt after your workout. This will go a long way toward maintaining your new goals, with an easy place to look for motivation. This will also be a great way to identify exercises that were too strenuous, and pare them down to your fitness level.
Use fitness gadgets like wireless earbuds
Technology like Wireless Earbuds are a great way to free up your hands for a better, more balanced and safer workout. Without cords or wires hanging, you can really focus on your workout without worrying about losing your motivation, with your headphones! Make sure you go with a reputable brand with a great warranty, to ensure your earbuds will be with you for the long-run.
Track your progress
Based on your defined fitness goals, it’s time to start tracking your progress to see how well you are doing! Use your workout journal to check-off your daily exercises, and be sure to reward yourself for meeting your goals! Journalist Charles Duhigg loves the idea of rewards, saying “An extrinsic reward is so powerful because your brain can latch on to it and make the link that the behaviour is worthwhile. It increases the odds the routine becomes a habit.”
We all want to live longer, healthier lives with the ones we love. Encourage the senior women in your life to take up these new healthy fitness habits, to ensure they are ready to give your family the guidance and unconditional love they need to be happy, successful people.
This guest post was graciously written by make-up professional, Cassie Brewer. Cassie lives in Southern California and, in her free time, enjoys writing about her passion (make-up of course!) and everything beauty related. Nothing makes her happier than helping others be the best version of themselves they can be. You can read more at cassiebrewer.weebly.comand follow her on twitter @Cassiembrewer
