developed plantar fasciitis, an inflammation causing severe heel pain when walking, I found stretches and calf-strengthening exercises to ease the pain and help keep me walking. If my knees were bothering me, I looked for exercises to strengthen the muscles around them. Many of these exercises don’ t require any special equipment. A sturdy chair, a wall, and a little bit of floor space are enough to get started.
A well-rounded senior workout plan includes aerobic activity— like walking, cycling, or dancing— and exercises to improve strength and balance. There are other ways to incorporate these exercises into your routine. At our community centre, seniors’ groups offer chair yoga, tai chi, and other classes. My wife enjoys going to those, and they work well for her because she likes the social aspect. I’ m a little different. I’ m not much of a group person, so I prefer exercising at home. The nice thing about staying active is that you can find something that works for you and that you’ ll stick with. Whether that’ s strolling with friends, gardening, or joining a class, the best routine is one you can commit to. You can also find free videos or how-to articles to help start your exercise journey.
Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ ve learned is about consistency. I’ ve always been the type of person who needs a reason to get started. I’ ve found it’ s easier to stay consistent when I’ m working towards a goal: walking without foot pain, keeping up with my grandchildren, completing daily farm chores. The paper route got me out the door and gave me something to achieve that day. That simple routine changed my health.
You, too, can find a reason to move, and a reason to get out of bed.
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