Keeping Active at Every Age: The Shift Toward Inclusive, Full-Body Fitness

Want to stay active and independent for as long as possible?

That's what most older adults want. But here's the problem… Most aren't exercising enough to actually make it happen. Less than 16% of adults over 65 currently meet federal guidelines for aerobic AND muscle strengthening activity.

This isn't good enough.

Thankfully the fitness industry is starting to shift toward more inclusive fitness options. There's a major trend happening that's making full-body fitness accessible for every age, ability and mobility level:

Independent living exercise.

If you want to keep moving (and living independently) forever, here's what you need to know:

• Why Independent Living Exercise is More Important Than Ever

• Meet the Fitness Industry's Latest Trend: Inclusive Full-Body Workout Equipment

• What to Look For in Equipment That Promotes Independent Living

• How To Get Started (& Actually Stick With It)

Why Independent Living Exercise is More Important Than Ever

Let's start with why independent living exercise is so important.

Simply put, exercising regularly is what keeps you independent as you age.

It impacts your balance, mobility, strength and mindset. Everything you need to continue living life on your own terms.

But did you know…

Falls are the number one cause of injury for older adults. Every year, over 14 million seniors experience a fall (that's 1 in 4 adults over 65).

And most of those falls aren't from minor slips. These are injuries that require hospital visits and forced reliance on others.

The older you get, the more muscle you lose. Balance becomes harder. Falling risk increases. Which means regular exercise is actually life-changing for seniors.

Exercise keeps people active and independent for longer.

That's why programs at senior living communities are starting to invest in senior center exercise equipment designed for independent living workouts.

Equipment that offers low-impact full-body workouts for every mobility level.

Think about it…

Without exercise, the body slowly gives up the ability to do things independently. Grabbing groceries from the floor becomes difficult. Climbing stairs becomes hard. Walking longer distances feels exhausting.

These are things most people take for granted. But without regular exercise, they're lost.

That's why tools that promote independent living exercise are becoming so popular. Because they allow every adult to keep moving, no matter where their mobility level starts.

Meet the Fitness Industry's Newest Trend: Inclusive Full-Body Workout Equipment

For years, fitness was designed by able-bodied adults and marketed toward young athletes.

Keep in mind… Most gym equipment was designed with a healthy, high-mobile person in mind.

But what happens when that's not you?

You're excluded from properly exercising in almost every way.

Gone are the days of fitness being exclusive to certain body types.

There's a massive shift toward fitness for all.

Fitness that doesn't discriminate based on age or ability.

Fitness that understands the power of full-body movement.

That's called… inclusive full-body fitness.

Full body exercise simply means you're working multiple muscle groups at one time. Not just your legs. Not just your arms. Everything.

For seniors and others looking to keep independent for as long as possible, full-body exercise is perfect. It allows you to build strength all over, not just certain areas.

Which is why more senior living communities and group exercise programs are investing in standalone equipment that allows everyone to exercise every part of their body safely.

Here's what you should know about starting full-body workouts today.

What to Look For In Equipment That Promotes Independent Living

Not all fitness equipment is created equal. Especially when you're looking for mobility-friendly options that will promote independent living.

Here are the key things to look for…

Low-Impact Movement

Running comes with a ton of impact. Jumping rope? High impact. But that doesn't mean your workouts have to if you're trying to stay healthy later in life.

The best fitness equipment for seniors allows you to get your heart rate up and build strength without all of the pounding and jarring motion.

Low-impact fitness:

• Supports natural movement patterns

• Easy on the joints (no pounding or jarring impacts)

• Allows seated or stable positioning

Full Body Exercise

As already covered, full body workouts are best for keeping you healthy and independent.

When you work out your entire body at once, you're:

• Building strength you can actually use daily

• Promoting balanced movement and coordination

• Getting more done in less time

Adjustable For Every Body

Not everyone is the same height with the same build. And that's perfectly ok!

You want fitness equipment that fits you, not the other way around.

Whether that means adjusting the seat height, resistance levels, or treadmill incline. Look for key aspects that can be adapted to fit every user's needs.

Helpful features like step-through frames and easy-grip handles are a game changer for seniors.

How To Start (& Actually Stick With It)

Starting an exercise routine is easy. Sticking to it is where most people drop the ball.

Don't be that person.

Here's a simple approach that'll have you exercising regularly in no time.

Start Small

You don't need to spend 1 hour a day doing cardio RIGHT NOW. Start by easing your way into exercise.

Even just 10 minutes, 2-3 times per week of low-impact activity can help you ease into a routine.

Once your body adjusts, you can start increasing duration and resistance.

Just remember…

Consistency beats intensity any day of the week.

Focus On Routine

Exercise isn't about going hard once a week… Then paying for it with no movement for the next six days.

Try to grab the same time every day and make exercise a regular part of your routine.

Think of it as brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

Make New Friends

Group fitness classes are great for a reason. People are social creatures by nature.

Having a buddy (or group of buddies) to keep you motivated during exercise can help you stick to your routine.

Not only will you have fun, but you'll build lifelong friendships that extend past the gym.

Win. Win.

Track Your Progress

Don't underestimate small victories.

If you did 10 minutes yesterday and you did 12 today, that's progress!

Tracking your movement will help you find ways to continue growing each time you workout.

At the end of the day…

Fitness doesn't have to be exclusive.

There is an opportunity to reverse years of fitness stereotypes by introducing elderly and young adults to equipment that works for their body.

Everyone should have the chance to exercise every muscle. Without risking injury or doing boring exercises that don't relate to real life.

That's what inclusive fitness is all about. And why giving everyone the opportunity to stay active for life matters so much.

Ready to start moving toward better health today?

Keep your friends close... and your dumbbells closer!