Retirement is full of opportunities. There are new people to meet, hobbies to try, and life to live. A healthy, active lifestyle can help you make the most out of every day. Establishing an exercise routine can be daunting no matter where you are in life, but the payoff is more than worth it. From walking every day to joining groups in your retirement community, here are three tips for staying active after retirement.
A Little Bit Goes a Long Way
An active lifestyle doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym every day. Even just a bit of light activity every day can improve your health. Walking and stretching daily helps get your blood flowing and boost your energy. When you add a little bit of activity to your routine, you build your strength and endurance, making it easier to do more intense exercises down the road. Most importantly, though, you’ll have the energy to pursue your interests and fill your retirement with the things you enjoy.
Take Care of Yourself
No matter how you exercise, you must take care of your health every step of the way. Staying hydrated is key, drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks. If you exercise outside, wear sunscreen or layers when appropriate. You know how important it is to wear skin protection against the sun when you’re young. Now it is all the more important. Always put on broad-spectrum physical sunscreen before you go out. And carry a travel-friendly bottle everywhere with you so you can reapply outside anytime. The moisture, sweat, and wiping your face gradually strip off the sunscreen on the skin, so you need to slather it again to have a full-time sun shield. Invest in quality workout gear, like a durable pair of shoes or compression gear to provide support and comfort as you work out. You should also work a few rest days into your routine, especially if you’re doing more intense exercises like cardio or strength training.
Make it Social
One of the best tips for staying active after retirement is to do activities you enjoy with people you like. Don’t be afraid to try something new if it interests you. Look for yoga groups, dance classes, or sports teams in your retirement community. Find people with similar interests and try working out with them a couple times a week. By making your workouts a social activity, you help maintain your mental and emotional wellbeing—as well as your physical health.