Why Seniors Don’t Exercise

By: Dr. Beth Templin

I can't believe we're already one month into the New Year. I've always heard that the older you get; the faster time moves and I believe it! I bring this up because many of the older adults I meet have the best intentions of staying active or starting a new exercise routine, but it's harder than it sounds. First, you have to find the motivation to start and then you have to find the staying power 

to continue with a program.
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Part of the problem can be finding the right exercise program to meet your needs. Sometimes there are so many options out there, that you get overwhelmed and then end up not making a choice at all. ​​For some people, there are more reasons or excuses not to exercise than there are to exercise. I have to admit, I have been in that same boat myself. What I've learned and what I want to share with you are some of the most common reasons seniors do not exercise.​

• Previous bad experience. Maybe you tried a class and it was so big you couldn't see the instructor, or the music was so loud you couldn't hear the instructor. Or you were just starting out and had a hard time keeping up with the other people in the class and you felt "old" and out of place. If you don't feel welcomed or comfortable exercising, it's hard to stick with a program.
• Fear of making it worse. I know many older adults who are worried exercise will make their back pain or their arthritis worse. Or they are concerned about their balance or worried their endurance is lacking and they don't want to embarrass themselves in front of the other class members. Exercise can actually help you manage or improve all of these issues, once you find the right routine.
• Being too old. Some people I meet don't believe that regular exercise will help someone "their age". Age really is just a number and it doesn't matter if you've never exercised before. Exercise is key for staying active and independent.
• Unsure it will work. What if you finally try to exercise and you don't get better? What if exercise just won't work for you?  My answer to this would be, what have you got to lose? What could you possibly gain if you took a chance on yourself?  Imagine how great it will feel to have more energy and confidence
• Fear of the unknown. It takes a lot of guts to try something new. Especially when you're not sure what to expect. Will you be able to keep up with the rest of the class? Will you be sore? Will it be too hard? We work with people who feel this way every day. It's what we do. We help you overcome some of those fears and doubts in order to help you stay active and healthy.

Exercise is Medicine! Especially for aging adults whose independence and ability to fully enjoy their retirement is directly linked to their activity and fitness levels. And it's never too late to start. 

So, if you've been putting off starting that exercise routine, there's no better time than now to step up and try. Don't let time keep slipping away because you're nervous. Let us help you get there and help you be successful in reaching your goals in 2020.      ​