Let’s imagine you’ve taken the Fit-To-Retire readiness assessment and your top two goals are getting in tip-top shape and creating a new social network outside of the office. Wouldn’t it be great to kill two birds with one stone and meet new friends while you’re working out?
Say no more! We’ve put together the following list of trendy workouts that get people moving together. Enjoy!
Pickleball
This sport – think ping-pong meets tennis and badminton – is taking the baby boomer world by storm and is equally popular with men and women. Played indoors or out on badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, pickle ball players use paddles and plastic balls with holes. (Inexpensive to gear up!) You can find a pickle ball league for doubles or singles in cities large to small and classes to teach newbies the ropes and the rules. Pickleball tournaments are held frequently, allowing devoted players to travel, see new places, and meet even more new friends. It’s a winner!
Zumba
Zumba classes – think New Age aerobics with choreography incorporating hip-hop, salsa, mambo, samba and the merengue – can be found at your local Parks & Rec program, YMCA, senior center, country club, even in public swimming pools. This one’s more popular with the ladies, but gutsy guys can have a lot of fun doing it, too. This is no-partner-needed dancing but it’s still a great way to make friends and get your heart pumping.
Yoga
Some of us visualize this practice as a solitary yogi meditating in silence while twisting in impossible poses. But, many retirees are finding great benefits in yoga classes, once or twice a week. Suited to their own level – Beginning, Gentle, Seated (as in a chair) – yoga students get the advantage of having an instructor to monitor their body positions, thereby avoiding injury. And even if you think you’re the least flexible person on the planet, there’s always someone less flexible than you in class! After class, grab a few new friends and head out for a cup of tea. Simply Google “yoga (your town)” to find a class in your neighborhood.
Tai Chi
Have you ever seen people moving as one in slow motion in your neighborhood park and wished you could join them? You can! Parks and Recreation programs all over the country offer Tai Chi programs that are wildly popular with baby boomers. Considered one of the best things you can do for fall prevention, tai chi improves your balance, muscle strength, stress level and mobility. Plus, classes are usually held in beautiful outdoor settings, promoting a sense of well-being. Call your local Parks & Rec department to find a class. Or, go to the park, watch a class and ask the instructor how to sign up.
If you would like to find out how prepared and enthusiastic you are for approaching retirement, take our complimentary Fit-To-Retire readiness assessment today.
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