Consistently staying active leads to living better. Think of staying active as ‘training’. You are training for the now and future like your life depends on it. I recently heard a gerontologist speak and one predictor of ending up in a nursing home is if you can stand from seated in a chair unassisted. Can you stand without using your hands?
Staying strong and active does not come by osmosis. You need to work at it and not stop. But, the benefits can be enjoyable and huge. Here are some tips to stay active.
- Stay active year round. Mix up the training by season. When the leaves start changing color, I gravel bike. When the lake warms up, I swim in the lake.
- Do strength training year round. A simple core strength routine can go a long ways to enjoying fun activities.
- Chose activities you can enjoy. I genuinely want to cycle on a quiet county road or run on a dirt trail in the Issaquah Alps because of the peace and freedom those activities provide. I like the quote below.
We do this because we ‘want’ to [train and race], not because we ‘have’ to.
Coach Ian Murray, Endurance Lab
- Know your how. Are you an introvert or extravert? Do you thrive in large groups? I prefer training solo or in small groups.
- Find activities conveniently close to home (or work). I look for locations 5 minutes or less. I have running trails, and a cushioned track near home. The swimming pool is under 3 miles. A favorite is to bike indoors on Zwift which obviously is under 5 minutes.
- Investigate economical options. I have a yearly Senior Citizen pass to the city pool and gym for $25. I also belong to a local private gym for more flexibility in swimming hours.
- Sign up for events to provide a purpose to exercise. Many communities offer Turkey Trots to help the local food bank. You get a good 3 mile walk or run before the Thanksgiving meal and at the same time feel good about helping the local community.
- Get enough rest. During rest, our body repairs and becomes stronger. I need 7-8 hours of sleep a night. After a long ride, I like to put my feet up and knit. At times I will take an afternoon nap.