ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2021) – A successful wellness journey can start at any age or fitness level, according to Sara Atwell, BSN, RN and Registered Yoga Teacher at Imagine Fitness & Yoga. “It’s important to just get started, in an environment that helps you stay consistent,” says Atwell.
Jackie Farah, who co-owns the studio with her husband John, agrees. “The term ‘workout’ can be intimidating, especially when someone has been inactive,” she says. Imagine is a full-service studio that offers personalized live-stream and in-person instruction for beginner to advanced levels in a non-competitive, friendly atmosphere.
“It’s important to just get started, in an environment that helps you stay consistent,” says instructor Sara Atwell. She offers the following tips for starting a fitness journey at any age that can successfully span the decades:
- In your 20s, Atwell suggests adopting the mindset of fitness as a lifestyle and engaging in sports activities. Choose activities that are enjoyable and also provide social connectivity with others, such as running or group exercise.
- Individuals in their 30s often find their lives becoming more regimented, with competing priorities. Atwell recommends incorporating fitness into your everyday activities, such as a short walk during the lunch break or exercising with your kids to maintain consistency.
- In your 40s and beyond, it’s time to start incorporating strength training to preserve muscle mass. Think beyond weights and incorporate elastic bands or resistance training into the regimen. Preserving your heart and strengthening your core are also focus areas for this age group. Get started with stretching and flexibility activities such as yoga and Pilates, paired with cardiovascular training. It’s important to pay attention to what your body needs, says Atwell, adding slow and mindful workouts can be just as effective as those that
are hard and fast.
Engaging in fitness activities with others adds to the enjoyment and builds camaraderie at all ages, according to Atwell. “The first step is to make a commitment—one class a week—and you can increase over time as you learn and your capabilities grow,” she said. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about practicing health today.”
