Motivating elderlies to exercise can be difficult especially if they have not been very active when they were younger or have simply lost touch with that lifestyle. But it isn’t impossible. Physical exercise is an efficient approach for elderly individuals to sustain their mobility while gaining significant health advantages. Remind your parents that being physically active regularly is one of the most crucial habits they can cultivate to support and enhance overall wellness. To encourage your loved ones to exercise, try these suggestions.
Find a Fun Activity
Your parents or grandparents are likely to keep up with an exercise routine if it’s fun for them. However, what appeals to one may not appeal to another so you may want to sign up for different activities to see where their interests lie.
Other than walking, running, or hitting the gym, you can consider group or private classes like golfing, dancing, bowling, or swimming. If they are pumped up for hiking and can handle the intensity, by all means, allow them to do so. When people enjoy themselves while exercising, they are more likely to look forward to their workouts and keep at them for the long run.
Don’t Be Over-Zealous
After finding a suitable exercise your family member adores doing, make sure that they aren’t over-ambitious in their pursuit from the get-go. Without enough rest, muscles may shrink and injuries may occur. To be able to engage in a sport for a long time, your loved ones need to know how to pace themselves accordingly.
Rather than fully committing to an aggressive fitness mode right at the beginning, give your loved one a simple routine to follow. Fitness targets may appear more attainable if the process is streamlined. Start small by exercising for 30 minutes twice a week and then gradually increasing to 45-minute workouts on alternate days in a week. You can also encourage your parents to exercise by requesting for their coaches or trainers to make the activities easier for them to complete according to their fitness levels.
Use the Old-School Reward System
Do you remember how your parents motivated you to complete your school tasks or revise for your final exams while you were still a kid? The old-school reward system never fails because humans are wired that way.
Treat your beloved family member to a favorite delicacy, tickets to a local sports competition, or gift certificates to a retail outlet when he or she achieves a health goal. Providing incentives for reaching an aim may push your parents to exercise more frequently. Since the brain clings to the concept and responds with good behavior, giving rewards works. Ultimately, the prospect of obtaining benefits may inspire your loved one to stick to a regular workout regimen.
We hope you’ve gained something from our guide on motivating your loved one to exercise regularly. By finding a satisfying sport and being non-ambitious while at it are reasonable ways to start. Don’t forget to offer your family members some benefits while at it so they can be encouraged to continue with their workout routines for a long time to come.
