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You’re Never Too Old to Get Fit: Let’s Get Started

December 22, 2021

Everyone knows exercise is good for you. It’s a key component to living a healthy life.

And it’s not just for the young, healthy and already fit. Older adults should maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, too. If you haven’t been, it’s never too late to start.

Becoming active can seem hard. But following these tips could make it a lot more enjoyable: When you think of exercise, it doesn’t always mean going to a gym, lifting heavy weights and sweating through intense cardio.

Start by keeping it simple:

• Move more, sit less! Park farther from a grocery store or shop. Walk to your mailbox. Take the stairs. Simple everyday tasks increase your steps.
• Be active with a friend: Find someone you can get active with such as a friend, family member or neighbor. You can keep each other accountable and motivated.
• Check your health: Before getting started, talk with your health care provider before starting a new exercise or physical activity.
• Find an activity you enjoy: Start slow and find an exercise you find fun.

Studies show that living an active and healthy lifestyle has many health benefits. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, regular exercise will build stamina, strength, balance, flexibility and even help you have a better night’s sleep. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers and other chronic health conditions.

Get Started Today

GoodLife Fitness, a Hartford HealthCare program, helps older adults build energy, strength and endurance for an active lifestyle.

An exercise physiologist will works one-to-one with you to improve muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health and self-esteem, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries. “Working with a trained professional will help you feel better as you age,” says Alyssa Lombardi, GoodLife Fitness’ lead exercise physiologist. “We help you become stronger so that daily activities like walking, getting out of a chair, doing chores, and playing with grandchildren becomes easier.”

GoodLife Fitness also works with rehabilitation services, providing inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, lymphedema management and specialized therapies. Rehabilitation services are offered at all Hartford HealthCare campuses.

To learn more, click here.