Improving Your Fitness Level May Be Easier and More Enjoyable Than You Think
October 24, 2025Exercise classes for seniors are an excellent way to get started
Retirement often ushers in a slower pace of life. In theory, at least, there’s more spare time to do as you please. It can be tempting to devote a large portion of that extra time to sedentary activities, especially if you start noticing more stiffness and achy joints.
But spending too much of your day engaging in pastimes that involve little to no physical activity can be harmful to your health. Along with several other undesirable effects on your body, a lack of activity can actually contribute to joint pain and stiffness.
If maintaining your mobility and protecting your health are among your priorities, then trying a variety of senior fitness classes is a great way to spend some of that extra time. You might find one (or several) you like right away!
It’s Not Too Late To Get Going!
Even if exercise has never been part of your regular routine, senior fitness experts will tell you it’s never too late to begin. You can reap the benefits of senior exercise programs whether you’re in your 60s or considerably beyond.
“Even people 100 years old or older can build muscle strength,” says Dr. Edward Phillips, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, in this article.
In the same article, a colleague of Dr. Phillips, Dr. Jonathan Bean, tells of a 101-year-old man who started weight training so he could wheel his own wheelchair. Eventually, he did even better: He was able to use a walker to go down the hall instead of his wheelchair.
The Dangers of Too Much Sitting
An article by Mayo Clinic cites research indicating that sitting for long periods of time has been associated with:
- Obesity
- Increased blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Less than optimal cholesterol levels
- Excess body fat around the waist
- Increased mortality risk from heart disease and cancer
Sitting for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity may have a mortality risk similar to the risk of dying associated with obesity and smoking, according to the article.
Fortunately, exercise programs for seniors can help offset the effects of sitting for extended periods. And, senior fitness programs like those we offer at The Variel are designed with an emphasis on safety. This encourages older adults with varying degrees of mobility and fitness to participate.
At First, Easy Does It
A key to getting started in essentially all fitness programs for seniors is to begin slowly, especially if you haven’t been physically active for a while. You may get enthused and want to jump in with both feet, so to speak. If you’re not accustomed to exercising, though, trying to do too much too soon can lead to an injury.
As your balance improves and you build strength and endurance, you can gradually increase the time you spend exercising, as well as your intensity level. If you’re weight training, you can also gradually increase the amount of weight you use.
Initially, you may feel tired after exercising. If you keep at it, though, you’ll probably notice an increase in your overall energy level.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor about any restrictions you should keep in mind.
What’s the Best Senior Exercise?
The truth is, there’s no single exercise that’s best for all seniors. The best one for you is one that you’ll enjoy doing, so you’re motivated to continue doing it.
To prevent health issues and stay independent, the National Council on Aging recommends engaging in a combination of aerobic exercise and strength-building activities:
- Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week
- Muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups, at least two days a week
Well-designed senior fitness programs feature classes and activities that include both types of physical exercise.
Depending on your goals, you may want to participate in a variety of classes. Tai chi and yoga, for instance, can help improve your balance. Pilates will tone and strengthen your core muscles. Water aerobics is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that’s gentle on your joints.
Wellness Classes at The Variel
Residents in our community love to have a good time, but they’re serious about taking care of their health. To ensure we’re meeting their expectations in both regards, we offer a tantalizing assortment of classes in our Zenergy wellness program.
Zenergy classes are open to residents in both independent living and assisted living. These are some of their favorites:
- Balance Aerobics
- Boxing (yes, this one’s definitely popular!)
- Chair Pilates for Posture and Stability
- Core & Back
- Get Toned
- Line Dancing
- Sit & Fit
- Zumba Gold
Our Zenergy wellness center has a beautiful yoga studio, a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and an indoor pool, too.
We also offer a selection of classes in our assisted living fitness center, including Chair Exercises, Chair Zumba and Stretch & Move.
Where to Find Senior Fitness Programs
If there’s a senior center in your community, you’ll most likely find it offers at least a few fitness classes. Other places to check are your local YMCA or Jewish Community Center.
You may have access to the Silver Sneakers fitness program through your health plan.
Another option is to look into online exercise classes for seniors. These you can do in the privacy of your home, whenever it’s convenient.
Send Procrastination Packing
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to get going, that’s fantastic! Don’t let your good intentions fizzle out.
Make a plan for what you’re going to do. Then, share your plan with a friend or family member and ask for their support. They can help by checking in with you periodically to see what you’ve accomplished.
Ideally, you can find a friend who wants to join you. On the other hand, you might meet a new friend in one of your classes and the two of you can encourage each other. We see this happen regularly here at The Variel.
Discover a More Active Lifestyle
New residents at The Variel usually find they’re more active here, even if that wasn’t one of their reasons for moving.
The Zenergy wellness center is just an elevator ride away, and so are countless other options for having fun. There are also plenty of friendly neighbors who love to socialize, whether it’s in a Zumba Gold class or during happy hour at The Tavern.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Variel, we invite you to schedule a visit. We’ll show you around and answer questions you may have about our community or senior living in general.
Call (818) 651-0168 or complete this brief contact form.