Believe it or not there are baby boomer women like myself who do enjoy exercising.
Besides the obvious health and physical benefits that physical fitness gives you, there is a sense of well being when you do get into the habit of exercising.
Here are a few tips that might help you find joy in exercising:
Young or old, everyone needs to exercise. But you need to find out what you enjoy doing, otherwise you will get burned out really quickly and quit your exercise program or physical activity.
If you are a loner, then weight training, walking, hiking, swimming and cycling is perfect for you. Also, try some of the great exercise DVDs that you can do by yourself in the privacy of your own home. Or simply put on some great music and dance your little heart out. How about finding the joy in gardening?
On the other hand, a lot of boomer women need that social interaction where group training and classes are perfect for them. Many of the participants in my exercise classes have become friends throughout the years and often get together outside of the gym. I myself love to weight train but enjoy it a lot more when my friend Lucy joins me.
If you do not want to join a gym, many 50+ women enjoy team sports, like golf and tennis.
But most importantly, learn to embrace the person that you are now and not who you were many years ago. Let go of the past and stop beating yourself up for not being able to do those things physically that you were able to do a long time ago. Remember, it’s all about being the best that you can be in every stage of your life. So enjoy the journey!
4 Comments
Posted by linda on 10/04 at 01:57 PM
I have been active and relatively fit.
Weight training and badminton twice a week.
Kayaking once a week and walking a few miles on the other days.
All that changed in a flash when I shattered my wrist while playing in a badminton tournament.
Once I get all the hardware removed from my arm, I’m not sure I will be able to do any of these sports that i have come to enjoy.
The fear of falling is pretty high right now.
Linda
Posted by Pattie Heisser on 10/06 at 08:53 AM
I am so sorry that you’ve been injured! Giving up those things we enjoy is NOT fun! Here is a link to a helpful article from Science Daily about how practicing Tai Chi can reduce falls. I hope it helps.
Do any of our readers have something to contribute that could help Linda discover new fitness ideas that could replace her weight training and badminton?
Posted by Julie on 10/20 at 04:57 AM
The more variety the better all of Basia suggestions are good ones, but for those who have or on budget this time year is for you.
When “Dancing With The Stars” comes on and I am alone ( or it depends ) I dance around the house to the music watching or not or both just dance, doesn’t have to be for runner up just enough to get that heart pumping to the rhythm of the beat, and smile.
Outside when it gets cooler, here’s something silly but interesting move your flowers pots around, like rearranging the flowers in the vase, and the next day put them back. Why ? Because it’s exercise and it might look better when done. And the Tai Chi like Pattie said only mix it up with some music that may not be so called Tai Chi but you like from the ipod to your personal CD’s.
Catch up on all the neighborhood goings on and get one to three gals or guys to join you for a walk in the morning or evening around the block or o the park, have fun that’s what makes it a daily habit you keep up..
Have fun and see you at the park !!
julie
Julie : )
Posted by Pattie Heisser on 10/20 at 09:04 AM
Great ideas Julie. Keep it up and let us know how you do!