When I began to work out at age 30 I did not realize what it takes to have the stick-to-it mentality to avoid the get around-to-it mindset in regards to exercise. Still all these years later, I’m on the search for easy fitness tips perfect for a busy baby boomer during family visits.
Fitness is important at any age and even more essential for baby boomers. This most recently impressed me when on my most recent visit with my son and granddaughters. Just when I think I am an energy gold mine, to have that vim and vigor serving me every day, they show me a complete new level of it.
But I think I out did the youngsters when I was the only one of our family dancing for four straight minutes to the “YMCA” tune at one of their church events. WOW! The song is one of my all time favorites.
And some of the online versions are just awesome!
We baby boomers seem to be all about feeling younger and staying fit. Often I find family visits with the girls difficult to stay with my routine so I had to find a few solid ideas to would work easily into an already packed family visit schedule.
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Find easy fitness perfect for a short duration.
My most recent golden exercise find this year is the 7-minute scientific workout. Because all you need is some space, a step (or a sturdy chair) and a way to keep time for about 10 minutes it is perfect to find time for when traveling anywhere.
If you search for 7-minute scientific workout in videos there are many choices with and without music.
Since variety is something that keeps me motivated to exercise, even when traveling, I have several types bookmarked in my Youtube playlists.
The main idea is to find a short and balanced workout in cardio and strength training that let’s you both find your fitness routine and still allows you to enjoy your family visit.
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Include the grandchildren in fun fitness.
I dare say, the Village People’s tune YMCA would work in a pinch to have fun with the grandchildren. But if they don’t like the tune I pick, then fortunately, they love the outdoors and there are playgrounds near by.
It’s well received when I say, “Want to walk to the playground?” That gets in about a 10 minute walk.
And my girls know grandma is always good for a treat of fruit, or candy, right across the street at their local organic grocery store.
Fun, fit and family friendly fitness.
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Let go of guilt if exercise doesn’t happen daily.
On occasion it happens that a couple of days are over filled with activities – watching the youngest granddaughter take swim lessons, heading to a make your own pottery event together with the oldest one.
Enjoying rare moments of family time all day long is the purpose for family visits for me. After all, knowing there are maybe only 20 or 30 years left on earth for me, I want to experience all of it. Exercise is important but there is little purpose in going gung ho about it instead of relishing fitting it in. Or be like me and make it your number one favorite cost free activity.
Before you start any exercise program, if you have limited mobility or other health issues, even a baby boomer would get a check over by a doctor to avoid injury. Then when you have the go ahead, you can set up the perfect routine for yourself for any kind of day.
Just where was my son and his family when I was on the dancing making those YMCA moves? They were painting and gluing holiday pictures on construction paper to bring home for them and their guests to enjoy.
What fitness routine have you found that works for your traveling or family visits?
All it takes is a visit form young family members to realize what real energy looks like. I too love the YMCA song.
I do realize that I am much more fit them many of my counterparts but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t stand some improvement. I am very intrigued by the 7-minute scientific workout. I will definitely be checking this out. 🙂
Between my hula hooping and 7-minute workout, surprisingly I continue to improve in my stamina and energy. But as I said, exercise motivates me to the degree I would rather do it, in anyway, than not! Thanks Susan.
It’ll all depend on the weather when I visit family over the holidays.
That 7 minute scientific workout, doesn’t depend on weather! LOL. ;>
So true! LOL (if it’s the one I just found looking it up)
Agree with you, Pat. We need to exercise and do it in ways that are easy while still having an impact.
For about a decade and a half I have been doing yoga, pilates and stretch for about 5-10 minutes every morning. Can’t help wondering what my body would look like if I had not done that?
Also find time for swimming 20-40 laps every week since we have to do cardiovascular workouts as well. Add to that a sauna and my energy levels go sky high.
You are SO funny Catarina! I don’t even want to think about what my body would look like without exercise. Wouldn’t want a mirror reflection in that case! Thanks.
Pat,
I don’t know what it is about the YMCA song but a couple of beats into it and I’m smiling and want to get up and dance! Dancing is a wonderful way for anyone to get moving and burn off some extra calories. Actually, we just returned from a 60th Birthday Bash in Vermont and I haven’t danced that much in years. They had an old “hippie” band that played music from the 70’s and we all had a wonderful time (including many attendees who were much younger than us). Thanks for writing a post that made me smile. 🙂
Awe Sherryl, thanks for that compliment – to make you smile. That’s terrific! It’s surprising how many fun ways there are to exercise.
I think kids are fabulous for staying fit. Their energy is boundless and have you on your toes constantly. As you said, if they don’t like your song selection then there is always the outdoors 🙂
I’m for one grateful that their energy IS contagious. Maybe that is part of the secret – to hang around kids! Thanks Becc.