Exercise As We Age: What Should I Be Doing?

We often hear the question, 'What type of exercise should I be doing now that I'm getting older? The answer is far from one-size-fits-all. It depends on various factors including your age, fitness level, and most importantly, your goals.

As we age, our exercise goals and priorities shift. Time may feel more limited, yet the importance of maintaining health and fitness becomes increasingly evident. If you're like many of our patients, you want to maximize the benefits of your workouts while minimizing the time investment. Here are some guidelines that may resonate with you:

Incorporate both resistance and HIIT training into your routine.

HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, has gained popularity among those over 40 for its effectiveness in modifying or maintaining a lean body composition. HIIT workouts typically involve short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of rest or recovery. One popular HIIT formula is the Tabata workout, consisting of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds. The beauty of HIIT is its flexibility – you can incorporate various exercises into this format, whether it's running, stair climbing, or burpees.

Walking, Jogging, Hiking, or Cycling

Many options are available for walking, jogging, and cycling locally. The hill in Marathon is an excellent option to get a good workout in a short period of time.

• Rib Mountain State Park has multiple hiking trails available such as on the north side slopes, the west side quarry, or the Yellow Trail loop on the south side. For a more detailed list and trail descriptions check out the DNR site Here

• Wausau's local cycling club is always seeking new members. To learn more about the Wausau Wheelers or to find a schedule of group rides, check out their website Here

• The Wausau Area Striders are a local running club that could be an option for those looking for different running and agility workouts. To learn more of what they have to offer find their facebook page Here

• Of course anyone can begin walking, jogging, or cycling right from their front door. Download the Strava application on your phone, set daily, weekly, or monthly goals, and record your workouts to track your progress over time! Learn more about Strava Here

Local Exercise Options in Marathon, Wisconsin:

• Wellness Center: Gym equipment made accessible by the Marathon School District in the high school fitness center. $20 if you live within the district or $30 if you live outside of the school district. Contact Joel Mroczenski at

• At-Home Workouts: Sometimes, life gets busy, and leaving the house for a workout isn't feasible. If workout equipment is at a minimum, we recommend looking into app-based yoga through Down Dog. Learn more on their website Here

• Marathon Area Swim Center: Take part in classes or open swim at the Swim Center. Check out their website Here.

Remember, the key is to get started. Consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any intense exercise program, and once you do, you'll be too busy enjoying the benefits and feeling great to look back.

We appreciate the trust you place in our office for your healthcare needs, and we're here to support you on your journey to better health and fitness.