Exercising with a partner can help you get fit and have fun.
(Napsy) –Spring has arrived, and with it comes warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and, for many, a desire to embark on new activities, including exercise. If you’re ready to start a new fitness routine, here are three tips to get you started.
1. Find what motivates you
Are you eager to get out in the sunshine for a walk? Are you keen on having some friendly competition on the tennis court or the pickle ball court? With warmer weather, there are many outdoor options. But, if there is still a lot of “brrr” in the air for you or if you are motivated by more structured exercise options, such as strength training or cardio classes, there are many online workouts that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. For example, the Silver & Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program offers 54 free Facebook Live or YouTube lessons each week. Thousands of people participate in dance, yoga, tai chi, cardio, strength and flexibility classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
If you have a craving to get back in the gym to row, bike, run, weight training, or the stair climbing machines that most gyms offer, now is the time to make the move. Being with others who exercise can be motivating. If you’re not a gym member but would like to find one, search for subsidized and affordable gym memberships available to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement members. Thousands of well-known gyms, fitness centers, YMCAs, and boutique fitness clubs across the country belong to fitness networks that honor Medicare memberships. Contact your Medicare Advantage plan directly to find out what fitness programs they offer and what gyms near you are participating.
2. Set your goals
Are you ready to start spring with the goal of gaining more muscle, losing a few pounds or improving your flexibility and balance? Setting a goal and finding an exercise that supports it is key to success. For more flexibility and balance, try yoga or tai chi, for example. To build muscle, you can alternate between strength training sessions and free weights. To get started, write down some simple goals and cross them off your list when you achieve them. Don’t be afraid to start small. Try 10 minutes of video exercise, walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes or do 10 biceps exercises with light weights. Achieving small successes improves your motivation and fitness level. As you progress, increase the intensity of the exercise.
3. Join forces with a workout partner
Starting something new can be easier and more fun with a responsible friend or partner. Set a regular time to walk or run together. Join a tennis group or meet a friend at the gym. Ask your gym about working with a personal trainer who can help you plan an exercise routine. Some programs even offer members healthy aging coaching, so you can connect with a personal health coach via phone sessions. Your health coach can help you plan and achieve different health goals.
Always remember to consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine and to discuss the types of exercise that are safest for you.
Whether you want to work out at home, get fit in the gym, or take classes online, there are many types of fitness programs that can help you kick-start your spring fitness routine.
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