Getting started

If you’ve never done strength training exercises before, you may want to work with a personal trainer for a few sessions to help you develop a safe and effective routine you can continue on your own. They cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour. To find one, ask your health care provider or contact a good health club or fitness facility in your area. You can also search for one online at reputable sites like acefitness.org or ideafit.com.

If personal training isn’t an option, there are lots of great senior strength training videos you can purchase to guide you through a wide variety of exercises that you can do at home. Collage Video (collagevideo.com, 800-819-7111) sells dozens of age and fitness appropriate DVDs.

Also see go4life.nia.nih.gov, a resource created by the National Institute on Aging that offers a free exercise DVD and guide that provides illustrated examples of exercises you can do at home to strengthen your body. You can order your free copies online or by calling 800-222-2225.

Senior classes

If you don’t like exercising alone or need some motivation consider joining a gym, or call your local senior center to see if they offer any strength training exercise classes. You should also check out SilverSneakers (silversneakers.com, 888-423-4632) or Silver&Fit (silverandfit.com, 877-427-4788). These are fitness programs offered in thousands of fitness centers, gyms and YMCAs throughout the U.S. that offer special classes designed for older adults. These programs are available only to seniors that have certain Medicare supplemental policies or Medicare Advantage plans.

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