How to Stay Motivated to Exercise: Fitness Tips for Older Adults

As we age, our bodies change, and our fitness needs evolve. It’s important for older adults to understand that they should not exercise in the same way younger people do. Adjusting for age means modifying workouts to accommodate for changes in strength, flexibility, and endurance. Finding the motivation to exercise, however, can sometimes be a challenge for aging adults. Let’s focus on tips for aging adults to get motivated and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals.

Start by Skipping Your Workout Rules

The first step to finding the right fitness motivation is to let go of all the current “rules” you have for working out. Don’t worry so much about what you feel you are supposed to do, whether based on so-called fitness experts or your own hard and fast rules. Instead, approach exercise as a long-term lifestyle change. Exercise is more than just losing weight or reaching a specific fitness level, but it’s about being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the future. So, think about the workout rules you have had in the past and throw them out the window. Taking a different approach will lead to lasting results.

Experiment with When You Like Working Out

Another part of shaking things up in your workout routine is to experiment with the timing of your workouts. Maybe you find that you have been trying to force yourself to exercise in the morning, but it makes it completely unenjoyable. Or trying to get in a run in the evening is almost impossible, so you skip most of them. This is when you know it is time to change things. Consider your current schedule and the types of workouts you are trying to do, and think about if you can switch up the time of the day. Don’t be afraid to make changes throughout the year, as other people join you, or just when you feel that motivation slipping and need to try something new.

Wear Your Activewear Everywhere

A little trick that can make a drastic difference in how often you work out is to wear your activewear while running errands or to work if that is an option. When you wear your activewear while running errands, you don’t have the excuse of having to go home first to change or bring your clothes with you, which can be inconvenient. Also, it helps with your motivation. You know you are already dressed and ready to hit the gym at any time, so it gets you into the right frame of mind for working out.

Take the Gradual Approach

It’s important not to rush or force your fitness journey. If it’s something you want to do long-term, you need to turn it into a lifestyle. This means gradually adding in more workouts, increasing the intensity, and only switching things up when it is needed. Take each thing as it comes, and don’t be afraid to go slow and steady throughout the entire process.

Buy New Fitness Gear or Equipment

Buying new fitness gear or equipment can give you that fitness spark back. This might mean workout clothing and shoes, accessories, or home gym equipment. Keep your budget in mind so that all your money isn’t going to your workouts. This can also be a great way to reward yourself by buying something new every time you hit another goal in your fitness or weight loss journey.

Buddy Up

Working out with someone else is almost always better than alone. Not only does it make it more enjoyable, but you have someone to keep you motivated and accountable. However, it’s important to choose the right workout buddy who has similar goals and enjoys the same types of workouts. Someone you know you can count on, and who takes their fitness journey as seriously as you do.

Use the 5-Minute Rule

This is a super easy trick you can use on days when you have absolutely no motivation. Promise yourself that you will do just 5 minutes of exercise. Set a timer on your phone if you want, or just keep an eye on the time. After 5 minutes, if you’re still exhausted and just don’t feel like continuing, feel free to stop. At least you put in an effort. Most of the time, it is getting started that is the problem, not actually working out. If you are at a place in your fitness journey where you keep making excuses, just try for 5 minutes and see how you feel.

Think Outside the Gym

If you have been going to the gym every day and just can’t seem to get there anymore (or maybe you don’t enjoy going to a gym), give yourself a break and do something else for physical fitness instead. This might mean going for walks by the beach, going on a hike, going swimming, or picking up a new activity you have never done before. Maybe you decide to try a dance class or do a home workout for a while. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you keep moving your body and are still working on your goals. While the gym works great for a lot of people, it is not for everyone. Don’t force yourself if that only depletes your workout motivation.

Getting motivated to exercise can be a challenge. But by adjusting workouts to accommodate for changes in strength, flexibility, and endurance and following the tips mentioned here, you can get motivated and stay motivated to achieve your fitness goals. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program and listen to your body throughout your fitness journey.