Archery – An Option for Girls Gym Class
Our website has published several articles on the benefits and techniques of exercise. And, we know that we are doing good things for ourselves if we walk, bike, golf, play pickle ball, join a ballroom dance group, just show up at the gym, or participate in classes for aerobics, yoga, or other activities. But, did you know that you might be able to have a third party help pay for your fitness activities?
Many Medicare Supplement plans include gym payments as part of their benefits package. That benefit typically pays the “standard” cost of a gym membership at selected gymnasiums. Most do not pay for instruction, so if one wants instruction, whether individually or in a class, one typically must pay additional fees.
So, dig out your Medicare Supplement information and see if you have such a benefit. If so, time to invest in some new tennis shoes and start using that benefit. If you are not sure where to start at the gym, spend a little of your own money and join an exercise class or get some one-on-one instruction. A small investment in a certified trainer who is experienced in working with seniors will get you started on an exercise program that is tailored for you and is enjoyable.
If you have no gym benefit and are not currently exercising, go for easy – start walking every day. Start with a 10 or 15 minute walk and then increase your speed and distance as you are able. Pick some place interesting to walk and enjoy the people, the birds, the kids, the tennis players, or whatever there is to see as you walk.
Another option is exercising with videos on your phone, computer, or television. SilverSneakers.com offers hundreds of exercise videos, including some that will get you moving in time with ’50’s rock and roll music. Y360.com also offers an extensive variety of exercise videos of all kinds. YouTube has an even bigger collection! Whether you can exercise on your feet, only from a chair, or on the floor, you can find appropriate work-outs.
For any exercise program, stop by your physician first and get his or her OK to begin an exercise program. Then just do it! You will feel better after you have done it a few weeks!
Editors’ Note: Share your exercise experiences and favorite resources with us, so we can learn from you. Use the Comments section below or send a story to Marilyn (mbellert@niu.edu), Diane (ddzinn@aol.com), or call Fred at 608-238-1625 to chat.
