Fitness Experts Offer Tips for Baby Boomers, Older Adults Who Want to Become More Active

The new year always finds millions of people of all ages resolving to begin a fitness or exercise plan. In 2008, there will be more older adults - 50 years old and up - who will be making fitness and activity resolutions. But like others before them, many will start, some will quit and a few will follow through.

In a Dec. 17 press release, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) offers tips to help older adults find success in their fitness and activity resolutions and goals. The ICAA also has a "Welcome Back to Fitness" website just for baby boomers and their parents. Included are answers to frequently asked questions, information about age-friendly personal trainers, equipment and fitness facilities and numerous tips that can be personalized to an individual's fitness and activity level and needs.

The ICAA was founded by Colin Milner and is said to be the largest membership association geared to the needs of aging baby boomers and older adults, with particular emphasis on wellness and fitness.

Before beginning any significant change in activity or exercise routine, the ICAA recommends getting a medical checkup by your healthcare provider.

Once you're medically approved, decide what activity you might enjoy most, whether that be walking, an organized activity or class, a sporting activity or some combination.

Decide where and with whom you prefer to participate in an activity. Do you prefer walking or exercising alone or with others? Inside or outdoors? In a gym or fitness club or in your own home or neighborhood? Are you interested in meeting new friends and participating in a structured activity? Do you prefer activities in the morning, midday or evening?

Develop a well-rounded routine or fitness plan. The best of programs will include a warm-up, flexibility, cardio, resistance or weight bearing and cool-down.

Once you have a plan, start slowly. Eagerness to get started usually results in overdoing it. That leads to tired and sore muscles, which can quickly discourage a person from continuing with their activity or fitness plan.

Set some specific goals. Short-term goals might be what you'll do or accomplish each week. Long-term goals will focus on something you hope to achieve or be able to do within a certain time frame.

Be realistic in both your short-term and long-term goals. A goal of exercising 30 minutes a day may be unrealistic for many older adults, whereas exercising 15 minutes, three days a week might work well for a baby boomer just getting started.

Don't be afraid to invest in your health and fitness, whether that be spending money to join a fitness club or gym or spending money on a piece of exercise equipment you can use at home. Making better, and sometimes more expensive, food choices can be a worthwhile investment too.

Create a support network. Friends and family who are aware of your resolutions and goals can be a great source of help.

"No pain, no gain" is a bad approach. If what you're doing hurts, don't do it. Instead, work around your pain, versus through it.

Finally, don't give up. Experts say that making exercise a part of your daily life, like brushing your teeth, will reap wonderful benefits and eventually increase your fitness level to levels you may not have expected.

Sources:

Press release, "International Council on Active Aging Offers Tips on How Older Adults Can Become More Active in 2008;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/12/prweb580042.htm

ICAA; http://www.icaa.cc/