Don't Let Your Fitness Routine Get Boring!

By Jane Farrell

Some people like to walk on a treadmill at the gym, and can do that every day without needing to change their approach. Others find that kind of activity boring. The key to sticking with exercise is to make it interesting and enjoyable. Here, from the experts at Go4Life, a division of the National Institute on Aging, are some tips on how to do that:

Be creative. Try some new activities to keep your interest alive.

Some suggestions:

Take dancing lessons.

Sign up for an aerobics class.

Walk briskly or jog and listen to your favorite tunes.

If you’re already doing something you love, keep at it – but pick up the pace!

Enjoy the outdoors?

Play catch with your dog or grandchildren.

Go hiking or rock climbing.

Grab a paddle and go canoeing.

Are you a team player?

Join a soccer or basketball league.

Make friends in an exercise class.

Organize a walking group with friends or coworkers.

Want to be on your own?

Swim laps.

Spend an hour at the batting cage.

Use an exercise video at home.

Feel the need to multi-task?

Lift weights while you watch TV.

Do balance exercises while waiting in line.

Walk on a treadmill while you listen to an audio book.

Remember, regularly do all four types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. (Learn more about these kinds of exercises here.) The variety helps keep things interesting!

As always, check with your doctor before beginning or changing a fitness program.

For more information on senior fitness, click here to visit the Go4Life website.