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Resources: Start an Exercise Program

Here are some helpful websites, plus tips on where to look locally.

By Gloria DeVidas Kirchheimer

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Online Guides and Tips for Starting a Fitness Program

• Strength Training for Older Adults, an online interactive program from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Designed to help people build strength, maintain bone density, improve balance, coordination and mobility, and reduce the risk of falling. There are motivational tips, safety precautions, and specific exercises, starting with a warm-up and ending with a cool down. The program was developed by the exercise research laboratory at Tufts University.

• Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging. Written for older adults, this six-chapter online book is a solid resource for starting a workout program, complete with nutritional advice. Illustrated examples of exercises are provided, as well as tips for staying motivated. If you're concerned that your current health could prevent you from exercising, Chapter Two explains how exercise may affect certain chronic ailments. The entire book may be read online, but you may also download a PDF version or order print copies.

• Senior Fitness and Sports, from Helpguide.org. Explains how sports and other physical activity can boost your health, plus how to safely start a fitness regimen. Additional resources are listed, with links to more information on topics specific to fitness for seniors.

• SeniorJournal.com. Provides daily bulletins on health topics, including fitness. You'll also find links to other exercise-related subjects.

 

Where to Look for Classes

There is no central source of information for older adult fitness classes, so you'll have to shop around on your own. When you do locate a likely class, it's wise to go and observe it before signing up. You'll be able to gauge the level of difficulty, the suitability for your age group, and whether or not it looks like fun. Ask if the instructor is certified to teach older adult fitness.

Start your search at facilities like these:
• The YMCA, YMHA, or JCC
• Park and recreation departments
• Community centers
• Hospital wellness centers
• Colleges and universities with outreach programs for older adults
• Retirement communities
• Health clubs

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