In the movies and on televisions gyms are always full of young, fit, attractive members. But like most of what we see from Hollywood, this isn’t the most accurate representation of a gym or health club. They’re frequented by members as diverse as you’d see anywhere else – members of all ages, body types, ethnicities, and professions. And thanks to programs like Silver Sneakers and other insurance programs that pay for memberships, we’re seeing more Baby Boomers and seniors in health clubs than ever before. And that’s why we’re excited to share our best gym tips for seniors.

1. best gym
tips for
seniors
FROM ELEVATE FITNESS

2. In the movies and on televisions gyms
are always full of young, fit, attractive
members. But like most of what we see
from Hollywood, this isn’t the most
accurate representation of a gym or
health club. They’re frequented by
members as diverse as you’d see
anywhere else – members of all ages,
body types, ethnicities, and professions.
And thanks to programs like Silver
Sneakers and other insurance programs
that pay for memberships, we’re seeing
more Baby Boomers and seniors in
health clubs than ever before.
And that’s why we’re excited to share
our best gym tips for seniors.

3. Tip #1: Take group fitness classes.
There are a number of reasons you’ll want to
include group fitness classes in your fitness
program, and we’ve covered some of those in
depth in other posts. Today, we’re going to talk
specifically about aqua group fitness classes.
With the ability to increase your strength,
cardiovascular health, and flexibility in all
one workout while reducing pressure on your
joints in a low-impact format, you’d be hard
pressed to find a form of exercise more
perfectly suited to a mature body!
Plus, there’s a great social component in group
fitness classes which can help combat stress
and loneliness and keep you engaged in your
fitness program for the long haul! Need more
reasons? See what Elevate Fitness Aqua
Instructor Sue had to say about why you
should be working out in the water.

4. Tip #2: Find out what special
programs your gym offers seniors.
For example, at Elevate Fitness, we offer
coffee clubs where members can meet before
or after group classes to socialize and connect.
A community is an important part of a
successful fitness program as connecting with
other members and with staff will increase
your exercise adherence by keeping you
accountable to other people.
And while we’re all for making new friends,
maybe you’d prefer to bring an existing friend
with you? Most gyms (including Elevate
Fitness) have referral programs. Not only can
you usually get a guest pass for a friend to try
out the gym with you, but most clubs (at least
the good ones) will reward you if your friend
joins! At Elevate Fitness you’ll earn 500
rewards points that can be spent in our
online Rewards Store!

5. Tip #3: Make time to
be consistent.
Today’s seniors are busier than
ever. Whether it’s staying
involved in the workforce longer,
family obligations or recreational
pursuits and hobbies, seniors often
find their agendas and calendars
just as full as when they were
younger.
Take time to put together a
schedule for yourself (group
exercise classes make this a very
easy step) and follow the
advice we have for people trying to
reach their fitness goals with busy
schedules.

6. Tip #4: Set a goal.
Have something to train FOR and
you’ll find it easier to get into the gym
to train. We suggest training for a 5K
as a good starting place. Most towns
have an abundance of 5ks to choose
from that allow you to support causes
near and dear to your heart. And most
5ks are considered run/walks so you
don’t even need to become a very
advanced runner to participate.
Find a program that will help you
reach your goal, like Elevate’s Run to
Walkprogram, designed to take non-
runners to point where they can
successfully complete a 5k. And once
you’ve committed, talk your friends
into committing with you!

7. Tip #5: Find out if you’re
eligible to have some or all of
your membership paid for.
Silver Sneakers and
Silver and Fit are just
two examples of
programs that pay for
a portion or all of your
gym membership for
you! And if the gym
you’ve joined doesn’t
have a program –
reach out to your
insurance company
and be the catalyst!
Someone has to be the
first, right?

8. Not a member of a gym yet
and want to try out Elevate
Fitness? Try us out for
FREE!
visit
elevatesyracuse.com