Sometimes it can be difficult to think of ways to stay in shape when you have retired and are living out your golden years. However, retirement does not mean that you have to watch television or play bingo every day.
Here are some ways that you can remain in physical shape and make the most out of retirement.
Travel More
When you are retired, it is easy to convince yourself that you should spend time with family and friends, or engage in activities with your local senior groups. However, there is no better time in your life to travel, and cross places off of your bucket list that you have always wanted to visit but never had the chance to.
Many vacation companies offer senior packages, so you can go on a trip at a significant discount. This will leave more money for fun and souvenirs along the way.
Work on Muscle Groups
You can still do strength training when you are a senior. It is more important than ever to work different muscle groups that may be getting underused when you are no longer working.
For instance, core exercises for seniors will allow you to benefit immensely with better balance, easier bending down and standing back up, and many other positive aspects. You may want to meet with a personal trainer who specializes in seniors so that you can get a workout regimen that best fits what your body needs.
Try Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a popular workout choice for older generations because they provide a great test of cardiovascular endurance, but simultaneously do not put pressure on bones and joints that may be more fragile in your older years.
Often, these classes are divided into different levels, depending on your skill level, and you can attend a few times a week. Water also provides resistance, so you can exercise your muscles much better, without having to use additional equipment like weights.
Take Hikes
Serving the dual purpose of providing a great workout and getting outside, hiking can be a wonderful way to fill the time when you are not doing other things in retirement. Even a few minutes of sunshine every day has been shown to have marked effects on your cognizance, mood, and serotonin and dopamine levels.
Hiking also provides a way for you to get out into nature and interact with local plants and wildlife while taking a wonderful or challenging walk by yourself or with loved ones. You can find local hiking trails from different websites, which are often rated by length and difficulty. You are guaranteed to find the type of hike that works best for you.
Do Family Activities
Especially if you had a long and advanced career before you retire, you may want to use your golden years to grow and develop close relationships with your family. You can go on a family walk together, or take a beach trip together.
If you have grandchildren, you can easily get a workout in just by watching them for a few hours a week. To encourage your family to be more active, you can give them gifts like national park passes, hiking shoes, or surfboards. You can also boost your mood by spending time with your loved ones, and surrounding yourself with family.
Participate in Group Exercise Classes
Many gyms offer group classes geared specifically towards senior citizens.
Usually, they are certain times of the day or week, so you can check the schedule to see what types of classes that you would be interested in signing up for.
A group class can be a wonderful way to bond with your spouse over something that you enjoy and is getting the both of you into better shape. In addition, if you go alone, you will be able to form friendships with people who share the same types of interests as yourself.
You do not need to worry about staying busy and active when you have retired from your job or career. With these tips, you will be able to have a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle and spend your retirement years having the most fun you have had in your entire life.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement.
We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. As a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I have accepted that I will never find the perfect balance as a mom, and no matter how others perceive me as a working mom, both being a mom and a professional help me to progress as a woman.
2. Appreciation is everything. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I’m grateful for the resilience that my trials have instilled in me. As hard as my trials have been they have helped me empathize with others more and to become a better person.
3. Share with us one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
Becoming a mother and feeling the love of my children has been the most rewarding experience of my life. That love coupled with a desire to maintain their love and respect is one of my biggest motivators in life.
