If you’re looking for ways to get moving after retirement, Scott Siddens, personal training manager at Wellbridge Athletic Club and Spa, recommends starting with something that you enjoy. But don’t limit yourself to activities you already know; people can derive a lot of enjoyment from trying something new.
Talk to your doctor first. If you are new to working out, it’s important to get a health screening before you begin—then listen to your body. “Aches and pains are going to happen as we get older, but if you have a sharp pain, don’t do the activity,” Siddens says. “It’s important to know the difference between a good and bad hurt.”
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Create a consistent plan with your goals. Structure it to keep yourself motivated and on track, and know that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel in terms of the types of exercises that you are doing. The basic movements that you learned in grade school—a squat, a deadlift, and a rotation—will keep you healthy and help you work the muscles that make it easier to sit and stand, as well as reduce your chance of injury.
Going for a walk is a great way to get your heart pumping. Don’t fear limits, either. Your capabilities might surprise you, Siddens says. “The reality is, your body is an amazing piece of machinery, and if you treat it right and do the right things, you will be amazed at how it’ll adapt.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, staying active might seem more difficult. Siddens suggests focusing on exercises that can easily be done at home. Look for routines that rely on your own body weight, such as pushups or planks, or call for the use of resistance bands.
Find your network of people who have similar interests, Siddens says. “I know of a group that goes cycling together. Four are 60 years of age and above, and the other four are in their twenties. Fitness and wellness go across the generations.”
