• Society
  • Foundation
    • (866) 928-1635
    • Contact
    • Donate
    • About
    • Locations
    Good Samaritan Society
    • Home
    • Services
      • Home Health Care
      • Rehab/skilled care
      • Senior living
    • Resources
      • Advocacy
      • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
      • Faith
      • Family caregivers
      • Finances
      • Health
      • Memory care
      • Relationships
      • Senior care & services
    • Our stories
    • Careers
  • Society
  • Foundation
  • Good Samaritan Society
    • Call
    • Toggle Nav Toggle Nav Toggle Nav Menu
    Good Samaritan Society
    • Home
      • Services
      • Home Health Care
      • Rehab/skilled care
      • Senior living
      • Resources
      • Advocacy
      • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
      • Faith
      • Family caregivers
      • Finances
      • Health
      • Memory care
      • Relationships
      • Senior care & services
      • Our stories
      • Careers
      • About
      • Newsroom
      • History
      • Spiritual well-being
      • Leadership
      • Volunteer
      • Project Outreach
      • Physicians
      • Annual report
      • Pharmacy services
      • Newsletter
    • Locations
    • (866) 928-1635
    • Contact
    • Donate
    • Advocacy
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • Faith
    • Family caregivers
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Memory care
    • Relationships
    • Senior care & services
    Resources
    • Home
    • Resources
    • 9 ways to make exercise fun

    Get email updates

    E-News

    Learn more about the Good Samaritan Society.

    Resources

    • Advocacy
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • Faith
    • Family caregivers
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Memory care
    • Relationships
    • Senior care & services

    Popular Keywords

    • volunteering
    • support
    • senior housing
    • retirement
    • rehab therapy
    • prayer
    • nursing home
    • motivational
    • loneliness
    • home care
    • guideposts
    • family
    • employee
    • devotional
    • dementia
    • conversations
    • caregiver
    • Impact stories
    • COVID-19
    • Alzheimers

    9 ways to make exercise fun

    Join discussion Share
    • Category: Health
    • Keywords:
      • exercise
      • motivational
      • guideposts
      • retirement
      • nutrition
    • Comments: 0
    • Posted: 7/19/2017
    Women enjoying swimming for exercise.

    Are you intimidated by exercise? Don’t be.

    Like most activities, exercise gets easier with practice.

    “You’re more likely to stick with something if you enjoy it,” says Pam Rodgers, well-being coordinator and personal trainer at Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village. “So make it fun!”

    Her tips for getting the most out of exercise:

    1. Start slowly.

    Aim for 30 minutes of moderate cardio (such as brisk walking) three times a week and build from there. If you have a medical condition or injury, check with your doctor first.

    2. Work with a trainer.

    “It’s a good way to start if you’re new to exercise,” Pam says. “Many gyms offer a free fitness assessment and training session with membership.”

    3. Make it part of your daily routine

    “Put exercise on your schedule, like any other appointment,” Pam says. “Then you’ll be less likely to let something else get in the way.” 

    4. Move to music.

    “Music adds so much to a workout,” says Pam. “It helps you set your pace and elevates your mood.” Studies have shown that listening to music makes exercise, even high-intensity interval training, feel easier.

    5. Switch things up.

    Do different types of exercise: cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and balance. Not only to avoid boredom and overuse injuries, but to improve overall fitness. “Balance training helps prevent falls as you get older,” Pam says.

    6. Take classes.

    “Exercising with others is motivating,” Pam says. A new study suggests that any activity that involves moving and socializing, such as line dancing or group fitness sessions, helps maintain brain health in aging adults.

    7. Buddy up.

    No classes? Find a workout partner. “You’ll encourage each other and keep each other accountable,” Pam says. “You might be tempted to skip a workout but you won’t if it means letting your buddy down.”

    8. Think positive.

    Remember Proverbs 23:7? As you think in your heart, so you are.

    Don’t let defeatist thoughts deter you. For example, instead of, “I’m too old (or too fat) to get in shape,” remind yourself: “Day by day, step by step, I’m getting stronger.”

    9. Set a goal.

    Have something to work toward, whether it’s participating in a 5K, walking without a cane or dancing at your grandchild’s wedding. A trainer can design your fitness program to help reach your goal. 

    We have a library of resources on health and well-being.

    Learn more
    • Share

    Related articles

    • Therapy horse unlocks memories [video]
    • The power in acceptance The power in acceptance
    • Coping with the loss of a spouse [video] Coping with the loss of a spouse [video]

    Comments

    The help you need, when and where you need it.

    Finding care Find a location
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Instagram

    CareersDonatePay bill

    Contact us

    National Campus
    4800 W 57th St
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108

    Phone
    (866) 928-1635

    Email
    Contact

    Good Samaritan Society ®

    National Campus
    4800 W 57th St
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108

    Phone
    (866) 928-1635

    • Privacy and Terms
    • Links
    • Physicians
    • Pharmacists
    • Citrix login
    • Referral partners
    • Employees
    • Pay bill

    The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (the Society) and Owner comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or other protected statuses except as permitted by applicable law, in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, and in staff and employee assignments to individuals, whether carried out by the Society directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which the Society arranges to carry out its programs and activities. The designated person responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with Section 504 requirements is: Director of Affordable Housing, Property Management, 4800 W. 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57108; phone: (605) 362-3100. For telecommunications relay service dial 711. All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

    The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), genetic information, age, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, or other protected status. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

    Notice of Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Requirements

    © 2021 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.

    Equal Housing Opportunity