<< Back

Living the GoodLife: How to Make Fitness Part of Your Life as You Age

August 20, 2021

Throughout the years, GoodLife Fitness has helped countless older adults achieve a healthier life by building energy, strength and endurance through one-to-one exercise. People’s goals have included building muscle strength, balance and cardiovascular health as well as self-esteem, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries. The end result has been a healthier and more confident quality of life.

GoodLife Fitness is able to offer the same guidance virtually, individuals are able to participate in two 30-minute group training sessions per week or pay $25 per one-on-one session in the privacy of their own homes. All locations are also open for in-person instruction.

GoodLife Fitness professionals are all certified exercise physiologists who are qualified to work with adults of varying fitness and health levels. Prior to starting, each person develops individual goals. The exercise specialist who guides the program develops a personalized fitness plan which is modified as a member progresses. Classes are based on ability and participation is contingent on the approval of the person’s primary care physician.

“Any adult interested in improving their overall fitness and meeting their goals under the supervision of a qualified professional should join our program. Whether you are pre- or post-rehab or simply want to improve your quality of life, we cater to your individualized needs,” said Emil Johnson, GoodLife Fitness program manager.

A growing body of evidence shows that the pandemic has profoundly changed how much people exercise, not only in the United States but around the world. To get back into or start a new routine follow these rules.

1. Set Goals and a Timeline

One way to motivate yourself, is by setting small, realistic, and measurable goals that you can write down in a list and check off one by one.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

Having another person holding you accountable to exercise often means you’re more likely to follow through with your goals.

3. Ease Back Into Exercise

No matter how fit you are — or were — if you’ve spent a period of time (longer than a few weeks) out of an exercise routine, it’s important to gradually work back up to that same intensity.

4. Break It Up

Getting in a workout doesn’t always mean you have to block off an uninterrupted hour of your time. In fact, there are benefits to shorter workouts throughout the day.

5. Make Your Workouts Social

Exercise can make us stronger and keep our bodies healthy, but for a lot of us, at least before the pandemic, it was an opportunity to socialize, too — at the gym, in a workout class, or as part of a running or walking group. For those missing this latter component, it’s no wonder it’s been hard to stick with an exercise routine.

6. Get Outside

Whether you’re working out alone or with someone else, breaking a sweat in the great outdoors can reduce stress and immerse you in nature.

7. Be Your Own Cheerleader

If you haven’t worked out in a while, exercise can sometimes feel like a chore. It can be easy to beat yourself up and feel like you’re lazy or weak for not getting it done. If you struggle with this mindset, Waite suggests reframing exercise as an enjoyable activity that you look forward to. (Note: It’s easier to think of exercise as enjoyable if you start by picking workouts you do indeed find enjoyable.)

To learn more, contact GoodLifeFitness@hhchealth.org or call 860.462.6174.