A few mornings ago, my dogs were up earlier than usual, which meant that I too, was up earlier than usual to take them out for their morning walk.  It was still dark outside and with only a half a cup of coffee gone, I was still shuffling my feet to get my day started.  Stepping outside, I soon realized there was something quite different about this day.  The air smelled fresher, the temperature was warmer, and the birds were singing their little hearts out!  Spring!  The elusive season after winter seemed to have finally arrived.  What better time than now to take advantage of the motivation that comes with the warming temperatures and start an exercise program?  Need some tips for springing into fitness over the age of 60?  Or any age for that matter?  Here's some basic guidelines to get you started with a spring in your step!

• See your doctor.  Whether or not you've ever been physically active, the right place to begin is at your physician's office.  A complete checkup will help your doctor recommend a starting point for your new fitness program.
• Exercise twenty minutes a day.  The American College of Sports Medicine recommends twenty minutes of aerobic exercise, like walking or swimming, on "most days of the week".  Also, consider lifting weights as part of your exercise routine, even if the weight is only a pound.
• Choose activities that you enjoy.  Choose exercise based on your past interests.  Make exercise part of your daily routine and set realistic goals.  Make sure your clothes are comfortable and your shoes fit properly. 
• Pace yourself.  Build up your exercise time or pace as your body becomes more fit.  Don't try to do too much too soon.  You will only get discouraged and you may risk an injury.  Make sure you include a warm up time before you begin and a cool down time after exercising.
• Join a group.  Studies show that 30% of beginners quit their exercise programs after six months.  To stay committed, consider joining a group of friends a few times a week for a brisk walk, or join an exercise group at your local senior center.  Most centers now offer some type of senior exercise class, from aerobics to swim fitness to kickboxing.
• Become sneaky.  Learn to sneak exercise into other parts of your daily routine.  Park a little further away from the grocery store entrance, and take the stairs instead of the elevator to add a little boost throughout your day.
• Get enough sleep.  Make sleep a priority by getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.  Waking up feeling refreshed and well rested will help you stay on track with your new exercise program.

The benefits of regular exercise are great.  Heart and lung function is improved and your joints and muscles willl be more flexible.  With exercise, you will find that you sleep better and your mood will be more positive.  With all of these benefits, what reason could you have to not "Spring into Fitness"?  Get started today! 

Remember, every day, families just like yours and mine are facing a health care crisis with a loved one.  The support and education you need to navigate the aging journey is available at your finger tips from expert care professionals at Lutheran Homes of Michigan.  For more information on dealing with a life changing issue with your parents or a loved one, contact a care representative at Lutheran Homes of Michigan by calling 989-652-3470 or by emailing    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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