This post is sponsored by Silver&Fit.
Silver&Fit is an Exercise and Healthy Aging Program but you don’t have to be silver OR fit to take advantage of it (I’m neither!).
The program is designed to provide the best exercise for someone over 50 which just so happens to be… the one that works for you.
Oh, were you looking for a silver bullet? A magic potion or pill? It doesn’t exist because trust me I’ve looked for it. I used to search for “best exercise for someone over 40” and as of last year, I had to change that last number from 40 to 50 (gulp).
The key is to find something you don’t hate and just start. And then make it a habit to do it every day.
With the Silver&Fit’s Fit at Home Program, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home and you don’t have to spend a dime. Here are some tips for getting your body feeling good and finding the right exercise using Silver&Fit.
Get Some Accountability Partners
At the beginning of December, I made an agreement with two friends (one in her 40s and one in her 50s) that we would do three exercises every day (push-ups, crunches, and squats). And we would text each other when it was done.
The exercises took literally 3 minutes to do but we all dreaded it anyway. With the daily accountability, we didn’t scold each other for having an off day. We offered encouragement and helped each other get back on the horse if we fell off.
Make It A Daily Habit
Do it in the morning. Do it while you’re watching TV (my preference) but just DO IT. Because even if it feels small, each day adds up. On December 1st, I was able to do 10 modified push-ups (what we call “girl” push-ups). One month later, I could do 10 real push-ups.
(Or use your phone, tablet, or computer if you have a smaller space).
And I doubled the amount of crunches I did and could do deeper squats than ever before.
Sometimes starting is the most daunting thing but once you start, keep going. Every day will make a difference.
Join A Class
Sometimes it’s hard to rely on yourself to be motivated, even with the encouragement of friends. Which is why so many people prefer a class with an instructor. It helps to have someone telling you exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
The Silver&Fit program offers daily Facebook Live and YouTube classes. In fact, they offer 9 live classes per day, 6 days per week, streamed live on Facebook & YouTube.
So if you need a schedule to keep you on your toes, you can pick your class, your day, your time, and show up!
Or, if you’re like me and the thought of a rigid schedule makes you cringe, you can watched any of the workouts after they’ve streamed live and enjoy in at your own pace.
Find Your Thing!
If I need to figure out someone’s exercise style, I usually ask them about yoga. If you love it, then I know you like a more relaxed pace and prefer to focus on strength and stability. If you hate it, you probably prefer to work up a sweat (also, you probably haven’t had the right yoga class!).
Silver&Fit offers the following classes:
- Cardio
- Strength
- Flex & Balance
- Dance
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Mixed Format
As you might have already guessed, I went straight for the Yoga class but I also tried a Strength class as well!
Know Your Limits (and then Push Them!)
Whatever your style, find the class that suits you and give it a shot. Because these classes are geared toward an older audience, you’ll find lots of variety in the skill level and they all offer modifications in case you have a body part that doesn’t function the way it used to.
Each class is offered at a Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced skill level. Because I’ve taken yoga for years, I started with an Intermediate class. I’m definitely out of practice so it was a good re-introduction but I’d feel comfortable moving up to the Advanced level next.
I also tried the Intermediate Strength class and although I wasn’t properly prepared with resistance bands, this felt like the right level for me.
My advice is to start easy and feel good about finishing a class. Once you feel comfortable, challenge yourself to move up a level. And the best part is that each class is only 30 minutes (and that includes warm up and cool down!).
Escape Your Four Walls
Last year at this time, I was finally starting to take advantage of my gym membership. I was increasing my strength training and playing racquetball with my teenage son a few times a week.
When the pandemic hit, we replaced that with Netflix and home baked bread and my waistline still hasn’t forgiven me.
Even though our gyms have reopened, I’m more comfortable working out at home. So motivating myself is key. As a travel blogger, it helps to escape the house a little bit by taking advantage of the daily International Class – filmed in a fantastic international destination. You can travel vicariously, while getting a great workout!
And when travel is back in session, you can continue your exercise classes wherever you go since the workouts are free and available on Facebook and YouTube.
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Even if you’re now considered “mid-century modern,” you don’t have to become an antique. The best exercise for someone over 50 is the one that can do well and do consistently. Silver&Fit’s Fit at Home Program is a great place to explore approachable exercise options easily accessible on Facebook and YouTube.
