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Physical Activity – Keeping Motivated!
“Lack of physical activity is recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are Canada’s leading cause of death. In fact, physical inactivity is as dangerous to your health as smoking.”
>The Heart and Stoke Foundation of N.B.
Yes, we all know the importance of physical activity in maintaining our health and independence, yet many of us struggle to stay motivated and stick to regular exercise. (“Getting more exercise” is the number one New Year’s resolution, but how many of us actually follow through for more that a few weeks?)
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Here are some tips that may help you get active and keep motivated…
- Make a list of the specific reasons why you want to become more active and look at it whenever you are having difficulty “sticking with the program”.
- Choose an activity/activities you will enjoy…not all exercise need be in a gym or involve expensive equipment…consider dancing, gardening, walking with friends, Tai Chi, even housework.
- Set reasonable, manageable goals for yourself. Start with a few minutes of exercise a day and gradually build on that, adding a few minutes each week.
- If you need to, create a program and schedule for your activity and post it where you will see it…on the fridge, bathroom mirror…
- Start small, don’t worry about your long term goals all the time, just do what you can with an appropriate type of activity.
- Give your program time to become habit…experts say it takes at least 3 weeks.
- Let people know what you’re doing and ask for their support and encouragement.
- Use the “buddy system”…include a family member(s) for friend(s) in your activity.
- Find ways to make your whole lifestyle more active…walk wherever possible, do some simple exercises while watching TV or reading…be creative!
- Plan alternatives. If you can’t walk for 30 minutes, break it up into several chunks. If it is too icy to walk outside, walk around the mall or grocery store. If your exercise class is cancelled, do some exercises on your own.
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Remember to consult with your doctor before starting a new physical activity program.
Check your Sussex and Area Seniors’ Centre schedule for activities – Tai Chi, floor shuffleboard, Wednesday morning exercise class, darts and more are available. Being involved at the Centre is also a great way to meet new people, and perhaps reconnect with old friends.
… See you there!
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Upcoming events: (keep watch for updates)
- Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. the Sussex Seniors’ Centre – Healthy Active Living for the 50Plus presents “Diabetes – Causes, Signs and Symptoms, and Treatments” with Diabetes Nurse Yvonne Wheeler. Bring your questions and concerns and join us.
- Saturday, March 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elgin Community Hall – International Women’s Day celebration with presentations, activities, entertainment and refreshments. For women of all ages. No admission, donations appreciated.
Healthy Active Living for the 50Plus is a province-wide program geared to promote healthy lifestyle choices for seniors and aging baby boomers. A series of workshops provides information to encourage participants to cultivate a healthy attitude toward aging, to take charge of their health, to maintain independence and enjoy life to the fullest. The program is made up of a series of twelve workshops – Understanding Aging; Healthy Aging; Physical Activity; Wise Medication Use; Healthy Eating; Managing Stress; Falls Prevention; Personal Safety and Housing Concerns; Safe Driving; Understanding Hearing Loss; Fraud Prevention; Senior Abuse and Neglect.
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As regional coordinator for the Sussex area, I am available to present to groups large and small, for ½ hour to 2 hours, on any of these topics.
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For more information or to book a presentation please contact:
Linda Goggin
(506)756-3956
lgoggin@xplornet.ca