Health

Comfort is the key for any mature adult who is visiting the gym - wearing a comfortable pair of athletic shoes and clothes that are loose fitting, comfortable and flexible are extremely important. Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing while you are working out will allow you more flexibility and a better range of motion. Also, wear properly-fitting shoes that provide good arch support. Just remember "different strokes for different folks."  Do what works for you. If you like shorts wear shorts, if you like sweatpants wear sweatpants. As a rule of thumb, you should wear lighter clothes than you think you might need for that day's temperature. Exercise generates immense quantities of heat. Light-colors reflect the sun's rays and makes you feel cooler in the summer. Dark clothes are better suited for the winter. When it's cold, it's better to be dressed in several layers of light clothing than one or two heavy layers. The extra layers help trap heat, and it's easier to shed one of them if you become too warm.  Avoid wearing rubberized or plastic clothing, these materials impede the evaporation of perspiration and may potentially cause body temperature to rise to dangerous levels.  I would personally recommend natural breathing fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Yes. Most gyms have a great staff that is always happy to help!  In fact, we hope you'll inquire about the different pieces of equipment that are deemed "senior-friendly" and geared toward the specific needs/desires of mature "gym-goers." For instance, many gyms now have great low impact machines (keep this in mind for your joints) that are super for young people and especially appropriate for the not so young. Ask a trainer what type of workout you should do, tell them any illnesses you might have, tell them what your ultimate goals are (lose weight, stay fit physically or interact with other gym members). Asking what to do, how long and with what intensity is always very important - at any age!

Older adults are just like every one else, it's amazing how many excuses we can come up with when we're supposed to be working out! Getting motivated to exercise is easier than you think. Listen to music, get a workout partner and don't forget to share your fitness milestones with your grandkids! Creating realistic goals will set you up for success. If your goal becomes too easy, you can always design a new one. Create rewards for achieving your goal and make it something you will deprive yourself of while on the way to achieving your goal. Another good idea is to make a bet with a friend or even better an arch nemesis. Once you change into your workout clothes you are on your way. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. Last but not least join a gym so you can surround yourself with other people who are on a similar path to success. For some, paying for a membership increases the likelihood of compliance (it also eliminates the bad-weather excuse)!

There are so many clever ways to exercise outside the gym.  If a gym is not convenient but the local mall is close by...many older adults love to go "mall walking" with family or friends.  Park your car farther away. Walk around the block. Go dancing. Look for ways to incorporate activity into your day, even if you can't do your normal exercise routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go bowling instead of to the movies, or use a push mower instead of a power mower. Sign up for a race and send in the entry fee. Whatever your activity - running, biking, walking, swimming - there are hundreds of races offered all over the world. Pick a place you've always wanted to visit.