This article was contributed by Annie Button

Let’s start with the obvious answer: No, it’s never too late to improve your fitness, and a gym could be the perfect place to help you do it. The benefits of regular exercise could include improved heart health, better balance, and reduced risk of chronic illnesses – surely these are too valuable to ignore at any age. In other words, there’s no such thing as “too late” when it comes to investing in your wellbeing.

It’s natural to feel out of place around younger or fitter gym-goers, or worry that you don’t have the experience to use the equipment. However, many gyms now offer specialised classes for seniors. In addition, every decent gym has personal trainers available for members of all age. It’s their job to help you exercise safely and effectively.

With the right gym, expert guidance, and a supportive fitness environment catered to your needs, there’s every chance you can succeed in meeting your health goals.

What Are the Benefits of Joining a Gym as a Senior?

Developing a regular gym routine can provide you with many meaningful health benefits as you age. Staying physically active helps counteract muscle loss and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. And it’s not just the physical perks, either – joining a gym can do wonders for your mood, your mental sharpness, and your social connections.

Here are some of the top reasons for considering a gym membership:

• Improved cardiovascular health: Aerobic activities like walking on the treadmill or swimming laps can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease. Regular cardio exercise boosts stamina and lung capacity, too.
• Increased strength and balance: Weight training and balance-focused exercises and classes build muscle mass and improve coordination. This helps with daily activities like climbing stairs, getting out of chairs, and preventing falls.
• Reduced risk of diabetes and obesity: Staying active helps to regulate blood sugar and promotes a healthy body weight, which reduces your chances of becoming obese or developing diabetes in the future.
• Stronger bones: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are the best way to increase your bone density as you age, which is helpful for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Sharper mind: Did you know that working out encourages new brain cell growth and improves cognitive abilities? Joining the gym could actually reduce the risk of dementia.
• Better sleep: Physical exertion, whether from digging in the garden for an afternoon or an intense session in the gym, will lead to deeper and more restful sleep at night.
• Boosted mood: When you exercise, feel-good endorphins are released; your gym session serves as a constructive outlet for stress. This can lift your mood and ease anxiety or depression.
• Positive social benefits: Gym classes and amenities offer opportunities to interact with other members and make new friends – great for combatting loneliness and isolation.

How Do You Overcome the Barriers That Stop You from Joining?

While the benefits of joining a gym are surely a no-brainer, there could still be some hesitation stopping you from booking in for that first visit. It is perfectly understandable that you may have concerns about your own inexperience with exercise and the gym environment may seem like an alien world. Rest assured that all of this is entirely normal and the right gym will know that plenty of patience and support is what you need to help overcome your uncertainties.

Here are our key suggestions to help you comfortably ease into a sustainable fitness routine at the gym:

• Get guidance from gym staff: Take advantage of complimentary induction sessions and personalised health journey programmes. Many gyms now have team members dedicated to helping older adults learn how to use equipment and feel comfortable in the facility.
• Start with classes for seniors: Look for low-impact, senior-focused classes such as chair yoga, water aerobics, or Tai Chi. These are perfect for older beginners.
• Work with a personal trainer: For one-on-one instruction and supervision, invest in a few sessions with a trainer experienced in senior fitness. They can teach you proper form and make adjustments where needed.
• Focus on low-intensity cardio: Begin with manageable cardio like walking on a treadmill at a leisurely pace or riding a stationary bike. Build up your fitness level slowly.
• Learn the proper technique: If you’re using weights, start small and get guidance on correct form from the trainers in the gym to help prevent strain or injury. It’s important to exercise safely and effectively.
• Bring a buddy: Sometimes, the best way to stick with a new routine is to join with a friend. You can provide accountability, encouragement, and comfort to each other, making you both more likely to enjoy your newfound hobby.
• Don’t compare yourself: Focus on your own progress and fitness journey rather than what others at the gym can do. Everyone has different goals and each accomplishment is something to celebrate. Check out this great story for some inspiration.

Your First Steps to Joining a Gym

As we’ve shown above, it is clear that becoming active at the gym can significantly benefit you both physically and mentally as you age. But taking that first step through the gym doors can be intimidating. Follow these five tips to get started on the path towards better health and fitness:

1. Speak to your GP about your plans to join a gym or before you change your exercise routine. This is particularly important if you are unfit or have any pre-existing health issues. Get the green light from your GP before starting a new exercise programme.
2. Find an inclusive gym that offers targeted senior classes and has personal trainers experienced in working with older adults. They will provide the right guidance and support to get you started on the right level and keep you motivated as you progress.
3. Begin slowly with low-impact activities like walking or swimming to build an aerobic base without straining your body. The staff at the gym, or your personal trainer, will help devise a programme that’s right for your fitness levels but challenges you to progress.
4. Familiarise yourself with the proper techniques on equipment with help from gym staff. This will help you feel confident about using machinery in the gym and teach you how to exercise well without injuring yourself.
5. Enlist a friend or partner who is equally keen to start their fitness journey. Having a workout buddy is great for accountability and encouragement. Exercising together makes it more enjoyable, too.

The benefits of joining a gym where you feel welcome, understood, and looked after are immense at any age. Improved strength, cardiovascular health, bone density, mood, and mental sharpness are just the beginning. So don’t delay – take these first steps and start reaping the rewards of regular exercise. It’s never too late to invest in your health and wellbeing.

Peace of Mind at Home

Of course, it’s also important to look out for your wellbeing at all times. While you’re still improving your fitness, you may want additional reassurance around the home – or when exercising in the garden. A personal alarm can help. The LifeConnect24 alarm service provides 24/7 peace of mind, with our trained Response Team always a button press away. If you need help, such as after a fall, simply activate your alarm and our team will arrange help on your behalf.

Find out more by reading about our personal alarms. Alternatively, get in touch with our helpful team today by calling 0800 030 8999.

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