What types of exercise would work for me? Your medical history and current activity level will help your doctor recommend exercises that are doable and safe.Once you start exercising, use the Monthly Progress Test (PDF, 675K) to check in and see how you are improving, and celebrate your successes!įour questions to ask your doctor about exerciseĪre you considering adding exercise to your daily routine or significantly increasing your level of activity? Talk with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you. You can be more ambitious and challenge yourself. If they were easy, you know your level of fitness is higher. If the exercises were hard, do what’s comfortable and slowly build up. Make notes about how these test exercises feel. Write down your results so you can track your progress as you continue to exercise. You may be in shape for running, but if you’re not stretching, you’re not getting the maximum benefit from your exercise. Read and share this infographic about the four types of exercise.ĭon’t forget to test your current fitness level for all four types of exercise - endurance, balance, flexibility, and strength. You’ll find space to track your normal activity levels for a few days - try to choose a few weekdays and one weekend day. If you have specific health conditions, discuss your exercise and physical activity plan with your health care provider.ĭownload and fill out the Find Your Starting Point Activity Log (PDF, 904K) to document your starting point.Wear appropriate fitness clothes and shoes for your activity.Play catch, kickball, basketball, or soccer. Drink water before, during, and after your workout session, even if you don’t feel thirsty.Pay attention to your surroundings when exercising outdoors.Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.Begin your exercise program slowly with low-intensity exercises.To play it safe and reduce your risk of injury: ![]() A steady rate of progress is the best approach. Over-exercising can cause injury, which may lead to quitting. The key to being successful and safe when beginning a physical activity routine is to build slowly from your current fitness level. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind when beginning to exercise. How older adults can get started with exerciseĮxercise and physical activity are great for your mental and physical health and help keep you independent as you age. If you prefer vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like running), aim for at least 75 minutes a week. For example, try balance training as well as aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The Physical Activity Guidelines also recommend that as part of your weekly physical activity, you combine multiple components of exercises. You should also do muscle-strengthening activities, like lifting weights or doing situps, at least two days a week. Being active at least three days a week is best, but doing anything is better than doing nothing at all. ![]() Now, let’s talk about getting started.Īccording to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PDF, 14.5M) you should do at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or fast dancing. Exercise and physical activity are not only great for your mental and physical health, but they can help keep you independent as you age. Write a plan to add exercise and physical activity to your lifeĭeciding to become physically active can be one of the best things you can do for your health.Four questions to ask your doctor about exercise.How older adults can get started with exercise.How much activity do older adults need?.If you set the pace, you’re always at the head of the pack. Out with the gym rats, in with intuitive movement! And the best part? Working out on your own means there’s no such thing as “falling behind” or getting embarrassed because you can’t do the moves. ![]() But if you’re willing to set aside just a little time each day and focus on realistic goals, there’s no reason you can’t make exercise a pleasant, healthy part of your life. We can’t promise that you’ll be as fit and flexible as an Olympic gymnast (though there is an app specifically dedicated to helping you master the splits). Thankfully, there are a ton of free workout apps that make it easy to do exactly that. But a lot of us are just looking for a no-cost, simple way to move our bodies and gain a little bit of strength without it becoming a whole thing. Maybe you want to drop hundreds a month on a swanky gym membership, personal trainer, boutique fitness classes, or the fancy at-home exercise equipment that killed Carrie’s husband. Maybe the best free workout apps aren’t for you.
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