{"id":6258,"date":"2022-03-04T13:17:52","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T18:17:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/?p=6258"},"modified":"2022-06-05T14:57:28","modified_gmt":"2022-06-05T18:57:28","slug":"how-to-find-a-gym-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/how-to-find-a-gym-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find a Gym for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you like group exercise classes, be sure to find a gym that offers the classes that suit your schedule and interests.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Purposefully and intentionally moving your body is one of the best ways you can stay healthy, no matter your age. However, it can become more intimidating to walk into a gym or group fitness class if you are an older adult, even if you have had experience with physical exercise in the past. Fortunately, there are senior-friendly gyms out there. You just have to take some time to find a gym facility that meets your needs and budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some things to consider when you search for a gym that you will feel safe at and that will inspire you to meet your health goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise for Seniors: Finding A Gym<\/span><\/h2>\n

Finding a gym can start with a quick internet search for gyms near you. But your research shouldn\u2019t end there. You can also ask for referrals from your physician, physical therapist, nutritionist, or friends in order to build your list of potential options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to add to your list by using the <\/span>Age-Friendly Facilities and Services Locator<\/span><\/a> put together by the International Council on Aging and the AARP. Simply add your city and state, or your zip code, to gain contact information for YMCAs, senior centers, gyms, and other recreation centers that are within a certain radius to your location.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you have a list of potential gyms, you can begin to narrow down your choices. First, start with location. If you know that you don\u2019t want to travel more than 15 minutes to get your workout in, eliminate any options outside of that 15 minutes. Even the best gym at the best price will not make up for the time it takes you to drive there daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

After you narrow your choices by location, you can eliminate other options based on what you want the gym to offer. If you\u2019re an avid swimmer, for example, you won\u2019t want to pay money for a gym that doesn\u2019t have a pool. Similarly, if you know you can swim on certain days and hours, make sure the gyms on your list offer open swim times that match your schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can now take your shorter list and begin to schedule times to visit the facility to learn more about costs, programs available, rules, and membership amenities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Senior-Friendly Gym Workout Programs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some adults want to work out on their own and have the experience to do so. However, some seniors need the expertise of a trainer or the motivation that comes from being in a group fitness setting. If you are just getting started with your fitness routine or if you have always loved a group fitness approach, you should seek out gyms that offer programs and classes that will meet your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, <\/span>Silver Sneakers<\/span><\/a> is a well-known senior-specific exercise program offered around the country. You can find Silver Sneakers classes at gyms, senior centers, and online. Each class is taught by certified instructors and is designed to be easy to adapt for a variety of abilities or challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, the <\/span>EnhanceFitness program<\/span><\/a> is offered in more than 500 locations around the country. Each session is about one hour long and is taught by a specially trained instructor. Classes focus on flexibility, balance, aerobic activity, and strength building.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking at local recreation centers, senior centers, or YMCAs, you are wise to inquire about their older adult programs. These locations typically offer some type of group fitness programs to adults over the age of 55 that are included with a discounted gym membership fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise for Seniors At The Gym<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Exercising outdoors is a great way to connect to nature, but if the weather is not safe, heading to a gym is a great alternative.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Once you choose a gym, you can begin to think more about your daily workouts. For some, it might be walking, running, swimming, or biking on stationary bikes. For others, including targeted balance, strength, and flexibility exercises is important to reduce falls, lose weight, or build muscle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be sure to speak with your physician or physical therapist before beginning any exercise plan. You can also work with your gym\u2019s personal training team to get inspired. Pay for a few introductory sessions so the trainer can show you routines and exercises on the equipment that you can then replicate moving forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a well-rounded exercise program, focus on incorporating <\/span>balance<\/span><\/a>, strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises throughout the week during your visits. This well-rounded approach can help reduce your risk of falls as well as increase your range of motion and mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safety at the Gym<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now that you are ready to start your exercise program and have spoken with your physician about how to do so safely, you can continue to decrease the risk of an emergency while at the gym by following any of these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n