Americans pour a staggering sum into health and wellness, spending over $450 million annually, per McKinsey & Company. That outlay is growing at roughly 5% each year. As we age, following targeted senior fitness guidance can significantly improve quality of life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 65 and older aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and include muscle-strengthening activities twice a week to maintain health and independence.
You don’t always have to be highly motivated to exercise, and staying active doesn’t need to empty your savings. Below are ways to lose weight and keep fit without spending a fortune.
Senior Fitness Tips to Keep You Healthy Without Breaking the Bank
Get Your Workout In at Home
Fitness often starts right where you live. With some imagination and planning, you can adopt an active routine in many accessible ways.
- Take a walk: A daily walk is a dependable starting point. Brisk walking costs nothing and delivers an excellent moderate aerobic workout.
- Use your body weight: Bodyweight moves like push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks can be done virtually anywhere. You can assemble complete routines using only your body weight, and free fitness apps like MyFitnessPal can help you stay consistent.
- Find free workout ideas online: The web is full of guides to craft your own regimen. Healthline provides basic strength, flexibility and balance routines suitable for seniors to perform at no cost and without visiting a gym.
- Create a home gym: You might choose to set up a dedicated exercise area at home. (The Senior List has a roundup of thebest exercise equipment for seniors.) Equipment can be pricey, but shopping used on Amazon or eBay can yield bargains, with some treadmills available for around $65. Facebook Marketplace is another strong source for secondhand gear.
- Get centered: If yoga appeals to you, teacher Jessamyn Stanley shares approaches for practicing yoga inexpensively, from finding low-cost classes to making DIY props instead of paying for premium gear. There are many articles about locating free or cheap yoga sessions, and you can also join free online classes.
Eat Right
Healthy eating should be part of your routine. WebMD offers straightforward advice for dieting after 60, recommending increased fruits, vegetables and lean proteins while warning against trendy diets. Don’t waste money chasing the newest diet kit; long-lasting results come from building sensible eating habits. Still, there are plenty of ways to cut grocery costs while eating well.
Make the Most of Senior Discounts
We maintain a comprehensive, current list of senior discounts that explains where and how to use these savings. Beyond grocery discounts, many offers can support a more active lifestyle.
For instance, consider the National Park Service’s Senior Pass and enjoy walking or jogging amid some of the nation’s most scenic areas. Many races and fun runs nationwide provide reduced entry fees for seniors. To locate events nearby and compare prices, RunGuide.com is a helpful resource.
Use Your Medicare Discounts
An excellent program for seniors focused on health is Silver Sneakers. Available at no extra cost through certain Medicare plans, it’s a comprehensive wellness program offering numerous videos and online sessions demonstrating exercises suitable for home workouts. The Silver Sneakers app also includes nutrition workshops to support healthier eating. If you want to exercise independently at home, Silver Sneakers is a valuable resource to guide your routine.
If you have Medicare Advantage or a Medicare supplement, you may qualify for Silver&Fit, a fitness service for those plan types. Silver&Fit provides at-home workouts, on-demand videos and home fitness kits.
Save at the Gym and Fitness Classes
Silver Sneakers partners with major gym chains such as Planet Fitness, LA Fitness and Esporta, offering free or discounted memberships. Having a facility with varied machines and fellow exercisers can be convenient and motivating. Many gyms include classes and personal training in membership packages or provide them at reduced rates for members.
The Silver&Fit program lists nearly 21,000 participating fitness centers. Its fitness center search tool categorizes centers into two tiers: Standard centers offer free or low-cost memberships to Silver&Fit members, while Premium centers are priced higher.
Community hubs like YMCA locations and park-based centers also collaborate with Silver Sneakers, offering comparable classes and discounts to those at commercial gyms. Silver Sneakers’ site includes a useful location finder, cataloging over 15,000 partnered locations so you can make the most of the program.
Even without Silver Sneakers, many areas have free community centers. Some cities provide free exercise equipment in parks. Churches sometimes host fitness facilities and may allow non-members access for a modest monthly charge.
Before joining a fitness program, review what AARP includes as part of its membership. AARP members can access free at-home workouts and additional perks through the Health & Wellness pages. Some gyms offer AARP discounts distinct from Silver Sneakers, so compare offers before signing up.
If you reside in a retirement or age-restricted community, check which amenities are included in your fees. Often, access to fitness equipment or classes is bundled into monthly charges. PrivateCommunities.com provides a search tool to filter communities by cost and amenities, helping you find an option that suits your budget and lifestyle.
Also consider exploring resources for senior care to learn about additional local supports and services that can complement your fitness goals.
Consider a Trainer
Another route is to shop for a personal trainer. Several companies provide in-home personal training, including Gymguyz.
René Taubensee, co-owner of a Gymguyz franchise in West Orlando, noted that when starting a new fitness plan, “cost is always a concern, but investing in a healthy lifestyle is an investment in your future.”
One-on-one personal training tends to cost more per session, but discounts are commonly available for longer-term packages or for small groups. René also mentioned lower rates for friends or family who train together. The National Academy of Sports Medicine reports personal trainer fees typically range from $25 to $100+ per hour depending on location and needs. Pooling friends, neighbors or a spouse into a workout group can lower per-person costs and boost motivation.
Making Senior Fitness a Priority Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Seniors have many affordable options to preserve a healthy, active lifestyle without draining their finances. Whether you choose to exercise at home, join a gym, hire a trainer or craft a creative regimen, you can find economical paths to better health and wellbeing.
Mark Haviland has written freelance since 2017 and has been published in several online and print outlets. He has teaching experience and has worked in local history organizations. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in history and has edited for small publishing ventures.
