There are millions of people who understand the benefits of exercise but find it difficult to include regular exercises into their daily schedules, in addition to the dedicated few. It’s no secret that finding motivation to exercise can be challenging; latest research confirm this.
According to a 2021 poll conducted by Kelton Global and the international fitness brand Orangetheory® Fitness, 43% of participants said they lacked the motivation to work out.
Aging populations are not immune to the effects of low motivation. Seniors, however, may be in a unique position to overcome their lack of exercise desire, especially if they are retired and have spare time. If seniors find it difficult to stay motivated, they can think about these tactics if they want to exercise more often.
Work out outside the house. In the initial stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, a symptom known as “basement burnout” emerged. That was in reference to the lack of motivation to work out at home when fitness centers and gyms had to close for everyone’s safety.
Since most people do not have the space at home to hold the same array of equipment that is accessible at their local gym, working out at home might get boring. Seniors who buy a gym membership at a nearby facility can get over boring sessions. Seniors can receive discounted prices from several clubs, and some even provide senior-only exercise programs like Pilates and yoga.
Make use of the buddy system. Seniors who exercise can also invite friends and relatives to join them. Urge friends or neighbors to join you for a favorite exercise class at the gym, or ask loved ones to join you on daily walks or hiking expeditions.
According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors can stay motivated to exercise by making exercise a social activity.
Monitor your development and acknowledge your achievements. When attempting to maintain motivation for exercise, the NIA highlights the advantages of monitoring progress. Seniors who exercise may find that maintaining motivation is easier as the benefits of doing so increase.
There are several methods to gauge success. Some may want to drop a few pounds, while others may want to achieve better blood test results at the doctor’s office.
Celebrate reaching your fitness objectives, whatever your definition of success may be. Incentives like a weekend getaway, a spa day, or a night at the theater can be just what you need to stay the course.
Show adaptability in your daily schedule. Seniors may experience physical limits such as mobility concerns. Though it may mean they can’t visit the gym four or five days a week, these problems need not stop older men and women from exercising.
Even if you have physical restrictions that make standard workout programs more difficult for you, you can still exercise by changing up your routine. When your body demands a vacation from strength training, take walks in the great outdoors. Additionally, check the weather each week to adjust your schedule if inclement weather prevents you from exercising outside on certain days.
Many people struggle to maintain their motivation to work out. Seniors might experiment with a few tactics to make sure they stick to their exercise regimens.
