Let’s be honest and say that there are definitely some challenges to getting fit when you’re older, particularly if you’ve been sedentary for a while. As we talk about the challenges, it’s important to remember that you can do anything.

There are amazing men and women who are well into their 70’s and 80’s who are running marathons, winning bodybuilding competitions, and competing in national and global fitness events.

As we age, our bones can lose density and become more brittle. This can impact your mobility and your ligaments and tendons can become stiff when they’re not used on a regular basis.

The good news is that once you do start exercising, your mobility will improve. You can overcome this challenge by starting slowly. Each day that you exercise, you’ll improve your mobility. To start, maybe try a 10 minute chair exercise for seniors or a very light 15 minute senior workout.

When it comes to strength, everyone has a starting point. It doesn’t matter if you begin exercising with only bodyweight movements or if you can deadlift 300 pounds. What matters is that your strength will improve as you exercise.

The same thing is true for your endurance. Sure, today you may only be able to handle 10 minute chair exercises for seniors. In a couple weeks, you may be able to handle a light 15 minute senior workout plus chair exercise for core, and every day you’ll continue to get stronger.

Fitness is something that changes over time and it doesn’t matter where you start as long as you keep going.

Not all exercise is boring. Curtis offers a wide range of senior workout routines.  He has advanced senior workouts, Olympic Events workout videos, resistance band senior workout routines, Senior Slide videos with paper plates, 10 minute chair exercises for seniors, chair exercises for core and a 15 minute senior workout for balance to name just a few. You will surely find a senior workout routine that you will love.

It’s important to let go of the concept of exercise and embrace fitness as a lifestyle. Exercise can be anything that you enjoy doing. If you love to swim, then swim. Play tennis or go golfing. Hike, bike, or lift weights. Whatever makes you smile is what you should do and try to mix it up to get some variety. If it’s boring, then find something else that moves your body and feels more like fun than a chore.

If you haven’t ever really exercised much, certain movements may feel awkward at first and the learning curve may be high. Something as simple as grape vine may feel nearly impossible but that’s okay. It’s easy to attribute these challenges to age, but that’s not always the case. Think about any new skill that you’ve learned; chances are you didn’t get it right the first time. You had to put the pieces together. You had to try, and fail, and then go back and practice. Your body may not cooperate with you. Things may feel awkward and uncoordinated when you start. That’s okay. That’s how we learn. With patience and practice, you’ll get it.  Just make sure you do not confuse a little awkwardness with pain or discomfort.  You should stop any exercise immediately that is causing pain.  Listen to your body.

The bottom line is that regardless of the challenges you may face, it’s important to address them head on and to give it time. You will become more mobile, stronger, and more coordinated sooner than you think.

You’re never too old to do anything, and you’re certainly not too old to exercise.