Baby boomers across the country are setting a precedent for physical fitness and health, breaking down barriers of age, disease and disability. Fitness has become a vital priority for older Americans as they want to continue the lifestyle they are accustomed to – picking up their grandchildren, traveling, and walking all day, and carrying their own bag on the golf course.
The hardest obstacle to developing a consistent workout regimen to assure continuing fitness is getting started. That’s why, SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading exercise program designed specifically for older Americans, has you covered with a network of resources to boost motivation, improve physical health and help you stay dedicated to your goals. Through a variety of offerings that accommodate all fitness levels, as well as invaluable social interactions, SilverSneakers helps older adults maximize their health and realize continued overall well-being during retirement years.
“The secret to starting and staying with your workout routine boils down to making manageable changes to your existing routine,” explains Caroline Khalil, VP of Network Partnerships and Programming at Tivity Health. “When it comes to fitness, finding a class or location that you can commit to without drastically changing your daily schedule can make a big difference. Additionally, recruiting a support team and tracking your progress will keep you motivated to push through the inevitable fitness slump.”
If you are determined to establish a consistent workout routine, the following tips from SilverSneakers may help you avoid setbacks and stay motivated long-term:
1. Find a Class that Fits Your Needs
SilverSneakers offers older adults a variety of classes to choose from that best fit their schedule, making it easier to commit to a weekly routine. Whether a yogi, marathon runner, or stepping into the gym for the first time, SilverSneakers’ unique offerings allow members to tailor their fitness regimen according to their time, their needs and preferences. Class options include the original SilverSneakers Classic, Circuit, CardioFit, Yoga and Splash, as well as more intense and fast-paced formats with BOOM Muscle, Mind and Move.
2. Find a Convenient Location
In addition to providing access to more than 13,000 fitness and wellness facilities nationwide, SilverSneakers also has a FLEX community fitness network that offers more than 70 types of classes in convenient neighborhood locations, such as parks, churches, recreation centers and older-adult living communities. The FLEX network makes Silver-Sneakers benefits easily accessible and limits the need for commuting to the gym – which means more time to sweat it out and maximize your day.
3. Recruit a Support Team
Sticking to your fitness goals can be a difficult feat unless you have a support team to keep you accountable. One of the greatest benefits of SilverSneakers classes, aside from physical activity, is the social connections and friendships that are established within the fitness community. In fact, SilverSneakers research revealed that older Americans are more motivated to exercise when they feel a sense of camaraderie, working with others to achieve their goals.
4. Track Your Progress
Setting realistic, achievable goals is an easy way to experience achievement that inspires you to work toward larger goals. Conducting frequent check-ins on your progress, such as keeping a food journal or tracking your weight, will help you celebrate the small wins that lead to larger success.
For 25 years, SilverSneakers has been helping older adults reach their health and fitness goals, maintain their lifestyle and improve overall well-being. More than 13 million people are eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness benefit through leading Medicare health plans, Medicare Supplement Carriers and group retiree plans. To see if you are eligible or to find a class in your area, visit www.SilverSneakers.com.