Try a New Physical Activity

When was the last time you tried a new physical activity? Sport, exercise routine anything that got you moving.And we dont mean something necessarily harder or faster just different.Maybe youve walked for years but have never picked up a pickleball paddle.Perhaps youve always wondered about yoga but never made it through the studio door.Or maybe theres a dance class, swimming program or tai chi group youve noticed and thought, That looks like fun.Consider this your invitation to give it a try.As part of September Is Healthy Aging Month and this years theme, Curiosity Has No Age Limit, todays tip is simple: try a physical activity that is new to you.Trade the Workout for an ExperimentTrying something new doesnt mean signing up for a six-month membership or buying a closet full of equipment.Treat it as an experiment.Take one beginner pickleball lesson.Try a yoga class.Walk a trail youve never explored.Get in the pool and swim a few easy laps.Put on music and dance around the house.Try tai chi in the park.Rent a bicycle.Take a beginner golf lesson.Join a walking group.You may love it.

You may decide its absolutely not for you.Either outcome is fine.The point is that you moved, experimented, and learned something about yourself in the process.And variety has another advantage: different activities ask different things of the body.Walking gets you moving and can be done almost anywhere.Swimming provides aerobic activity without requiring you to pound the pavement.

Yoga and tai chi can combine elements of strength, flexibility and balance.Dancing adds movement, coordination, music and often a social component.Even gardening can be more physical than you might think.And there are plenty of reasons to keep moving.As weve reported previously, physical activity may have a stronger role than genes in longevity, another reminder that the choices we make every day can matter.Theres Good Reason to Keep MovingThe Centers for Disease Control and Preventions physical activity guidelines for older adults recommend a combination of aerobic, muscle-strengthening and balance activities each week.For adults 65 and older, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days and activities that improve balance.But theres an important message behind those numbers: some physical activity is better than none.You dont have to become an athlete to benefit from moving more.

You also dont have to do all of your activity at once.A short walk, a few songs on the dance floor or some time working in the garden all count toward a more active day.Find Something You Actually Want to DoTheres no prize for choosing an activity you dislike simply because someone told you it was good exercise.If you hate running, dont run.If you find a traditional gym boring, look somewhere else.The activity youre most likely to continue is one that gives you a reason to look forward to doing it.Love being outdoors? Try hiking, cycling, kayaking or a walking group.Prefer something social? Pickleball, dancing or a group fitness class might be more appealing.Want something quieter? Yoga, tai chi, swimming or a solo walk may be a better fit.Like a little competition? Tennis, golf or pickleball could wake up a competitive streak you havent used in years.And if you already have a favorite activity, change one thing.Take a different route.

Try a new class.Invite someone along.Learn a new skill connected to it.Start Where You AreA new activity should challenge you in a positive waynot leave you feeling as though you have something to prove.Start at a level that works for you.Give yourself time to learn unfamiliar movements.Pay attention to how you feel, and if you have a health condition, injury or concern about beginning a new activity, talk with your healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you.Most importantly, keep the first outing in perspective.You dont have to be good at pickleball the first time you play.

You dont need perfect balance in your first yoga class.And nobody expects you to remember every dance step.Being a beginner is part of the fun.This September, choose one way to move that you havent tried beforeor havent tried in a very long time.You might discover a new favorite activity.And if not? Youll still have a good story about the day you tried.Enjoyed this article? Sign up for the free Healthy Aging newsletter for the latest stories, tips, and inspiration delivered to your inboxand subscribe to Healthy Aging Magazine for even more ways to live better and age smarter.