Talk to Your Doctor
By Bernard Freeman
The first step to tackling a new fitness plan for people of any age is to talk to their medical professional before they schedule the first gym session.
This is especially true for seniors, who may have preexisting conditions and other health concerns.
Make an Appointment
If you’re not already scheduled to see your doctor, make an appointment. Make a list of the activities you plan to try and the frequency with which you plan to do them. Write down your fitness goals, along with any medications you take, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Even though you may be excited to get started, wait until you’ve spoken to your doctor. You could trigger side effects and conditions you were unaware of.
Medications
Your doctor may have you adjust the times you take them depending on the types of medications, the effects you may feel, and the activity you’re planning on doing. Some medications may lower your blood pressure or blood sugar, for instance, and when coupled with exercise, could cause negative health outcomes.
Listen to Your Body
Once you have the all-clear to begin exercising, remember to take it slow. Listen to your body and remember that exercise should never hurt or make you feel worse afterwards. Stop immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or break out in a cold sweat. If you injure yourself, pay attention to your injury. Don’t resume your workouts until you are pain-free.
Exercising with Mobility Issues
It’s not impossible, you just have to get creative. Find a facility or a trainer that specializes in helping people with mobility issues. You may even find special classes just for seniors or for those who have trouble getting around. Working with someone who is mindful of your condition will make your exercise more productive and enjoyable. Your doctor may have recommendations for places, trainers and exercises for you.
Eat Right
Now that you’re moving more, you may need to adjust your diet as well. Talk to your doctor about what you like to eat and drink and see whether you should make any adjustments before and after working out. You may need to add more protein, including lean proteins like poultry or fish.
Finding the Right Gym for You
Once you’ve got the all-clear from your doctor, it’s time to find the perfect place to get moving.
Here’s how to pick the best gym for your lifestyle and your fitness goals.
Location, Location, Location
You want a gym to be convenient for you. This doesn’t necessarily mean close to home, even though it could. You want a location that either has several options for you no matter where you are or a location along a route you regularly travel, such as to church or to the grocery store.
Options
You want a gym that has equipment, trainers and classes that align with your goals. If you’re a beginner, maybe don’t choose a facility that caters to bodybuilders. Visit in person before you join to scope out the facility, the equipment and the staff. Consider making a list of your must-haves for a gym. Next, write down the like-to-haves and, finally, the avoids. Use your list to evaluate each gym you visit.
Check Out Social Media
Your in-person visit provides some insight into how the gym works. Their social media channels can give you a broader look at how it runs day-to-day.
Consider checking reviews for the facility on sites such as Google or Yelp. If you’re still unsure, ask the staff about signing up for a trial. It may even be free!
Cleanliness
Look for signs that the gym is cleaned regularly. With all the noise and music, it can be easy to get distracted. Check out the bathrooms and the locker rooms to make sure they’re spic-and-span. Also make sure the gym provides a way to disinfect equipment after use. Usually, this is via a wipe or a spray bottle. If you don’t see it, ask the staff how it’s done.
Discounts
Once you’ve picked a gym, ask whether there are any discounts that may apply. This could include a discount for coming during off-peak hours or if you plan to take only group classes. Also make sure you completely understand how you will be billed, including for extras such as towels or classes.
Podcasts for your Workout.
Some of us just need a little distraction to keep us from the realization that we’re exercising.
You can try something like an audio book or a podcast to keep your brain occupied while you get your body more fit. Here’s a playlist to get you started.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
If you love history, this one’s for you. There are seasons upon seasons of this pod built up, so it will take you a while to catch up while you work out. You can find just about any event or historical figure you care to hear about.
Aging in Full Bloom
This podcast with Lisa Stockdale will provide empowering insights and entertainment while you get moving. It’s specifically geared toward seniors and toward helping them age on their own terms. Previous topics covered include smart homes, understanding arthritis and online scams.
This American Life
More than 2 million people download this popular pod every week. Ira Glass and company offer up stories about culture, society and just plain life in America. There are also hundreds of episodes built up of this long-running show.
The Perfect Scam
This podcast from AARP features people who have been affected by scams and scam artists. It discusses common tactics and arms you with information you need to protect yourself. There are more than 100 episodes in the show’s archive and new ones are released every Friday.
Lux Radio Theatre
Get a blast from the past with the Lux Radio Theatre, one of the most popular radio shows from 1934-1955. There are more than 926 hour-long episodes that will take you back, and many are available as podcasts.
Excuse My Grandma
Stumped by millennials? You’re not the only one. This podcast shares stories by Kim and her grandmother, Gail, as they delve into topics timely to life today. Each episode runs 30 minutes (perfect for cardio) and will tickle your funny bone as well as your brains.
Good Job, Brain!
Work out your brain cells while you build your muscles with this quirky trivia podcast. You can play along or just listen to the hosts for about an hour. There are more than 200 episodes ready to play, so you’ve got lots of time for walking on the treadmill.
