Celebrate Healthy Aging

September is Healthy Aging Month and is a great time to consider new workout options. If you’re ready to kickstart your fitness routine—but want to do so safely —check out these three simple tips:

1.  Check in with your gym about its COVID-safe offerings. Many Americans who have been avoiding public places this past year are now looking to expand their horizons, including going back to a gym. Many gyms continue to maintain at least six feet between each workout station, require masks within the space, and provide free hand sanitizer, clean equipment assurances, and other COVID-safe protocols. Give your gym a call or visit the location to find out what specific COVID-safe guidelines are in place there, so you can determine whether you’re ready to resume your gym routine.
2. Increase your outdoor exercise routine. After being cooped up for months, getting outside can work wonders for your physical health and emotional well-being. Take yourself to a park to ex-plore a new walking or hiking path. Challenge a friend to a regular game of tennis, pickleball, or bocce ball. Dust off your bicycles and enjoy the freedom of feeling the wind in your faces. Es-tablishing a fun exercise routine with a friend can motivate you to keep it up and help lift your spirits. Older adults reported increased feelings of isolation last year. Exercising with a friend can help you shake off the loneliness blues.
   Being outdoors offers the added benefit of providing you with a dose of vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and to enhance bone health and immune system function. Re- gularly spending time outdoors is the most natural way to get the recommended 10 to 30 minutes of sun exposure several times a week. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
3. Augment your workout with home exercise classes. Na-tional guidelines recommend that you get at least 150 minutes per week of exercise. To make sure you’re meeting that, augment your workout routine with home exercise classes that you can view on your laptop, phone, or other devices. If you want to improve balance or flexibility, try a yoga or tai chi class.

Now can be your time to get back into a fitness routine—or start a new one. As always, before you start any new exercise routine, talk to your doctor to discuss your goals and what types of exercise might be safest for you.