Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Fit at 60: 4 Tips for Working Out in Your Golden Years

Charles MacAbe

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Who says staying fit is only for the young? Fitness has no age limit.

As important as it is to maintain health and build strength in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, it becomes even more crucial in your 60s and beyond.

Not staying fit in the sixth decade of your life can lead to a range of health problems. Reduced muscle mass, joint flexibility and mobility, and cardiovascular and respiratory function, are some of them, states Better Health Channel.

Staying active at 60 has its benefits. It will not only make you physically strong, but it will also help you maintain balance, flexibility, and mental sharpness.

In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips that will help you stay fit, feel great, and enjoy your golden years with vitality.

#1 Start Where You Are, Not Where You Used to Be

Your body at 60 isn’t the same as it was at 30. Maybe you could run a marathon or lift heavy weights back in the day. But if it’s been a while since you exercised, don’t jump straight back into that level of intensity.

Deadlifting your body weight right out of the gate can be dangerous. It’s best to start doing small things to increase your energy level.

Start out with walking. A 10-minute walk around the block will keep your weight steady and lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and stroke. You can also try WallPilates, which provides a supportive and effective way to improve your strength and flexibility using just a wall.

According to the Better Health Channel, walking can also strengthen your bones and prevent osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Or, you can join a beginner yoga class. There, you will do standing yoga poses, balancing yoga poses, backbends, seated yoga poses, and supine yoga poses. These poses will help build core strength for advanced poses.

#2 Don’t Skip Strength Training

Weights? At 60? Yes, you heard that right.

An article published in The Conversation reveals that lifting heavy weights thrice weekly results in sustained strength gains in older persons. This is good news since being strong as you age can help you maintain independence for longer and make you more resistant to falls and injuries. 

Strength training doesn’t mean bench-pressing your body weight. It can be as simple as lifting light dumbbells, using resistance bands, or even doing bodyweight exercises like squats, pushups, or planks.

Don’t have dumbbells? Bottles of water can be a good substitute for hand weights. No resistance band? Use a towel.

These exercises will not only keep your muscles strong, but also help protect your bones, which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Strength training above the age of 60 can also help prevent sarcopenia, reveals The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

#3 Incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is a hit among younger fitness enthusiasts. But they can benefit older adults, too. This training can help slow down the natural aging process and maintain the quality of life in seniors.

A recent feature of Woman’s World considers HIIT the best type of exercise for people above 60 because it can boost heart health and keep blood pressure in a healthy range.

It’s important to tailor HIIT to your age, fitness levels, and health conditions, however. Else, you might over-exert yourself, which can increase the risk of injury.

Seniors can try out chair squats, heel raises to calf raises, side leg lifts, wall pushups, jumping jacks, plank, and pushups.

Before you hit the gym to perform HIIT, get a chest pack. It will make it easier for you to store items, your phone, or keys during your workout. Chest packs are outfitted with a quick-release buckle. That is why they are easy to put on and take off.

If you’re looking for a form-fitting low-profile storage option, products like ASRV chest packs are worth considering. They feature a neoprene back panel and waterproof zip tape. On top of that, the brand uses 100% polyester with durable water-resistant treatment. 

#4 Work with a Certified Trainer

It’s not safe to workout yourself if you’re a beginner or have specific health concerns like high blood pressure. So, don’t take the risk; work with a certified trainer instead.

These professionals understand how the human body works and can create a workout plan tailored to your needs and goals.

A good trainer will also teach you the right form to prevent injury, which is super important in your golden years. Whether you’re into strength training, flexibility exercises, or cardio, they will show you how to perform each move properly.

With a certified trainer by your side, you’ll feel more motivated and encouraged to stick with your fitness routine. 

The bottom line? Being fit at 60 isn’t about chasing that perfect body. Rather, it’s about increasing strength and balance for better injury prevention. The benefits go beyond the physical, however. You’ll have more energy, a better mood, and a boost in mental sharpness.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on those sneakers and begin exercising to make your 60s the healthiest years of your life. 

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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