In the pursuit of good health and fitness, many individuals turn to their partners for support, encouragement, and even a workout buddy. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore suggests that exercising with your partner may not be as effective as previously thought. The study found that older couples who exercised together were less active overall compared to those who chose to exercise separately.
To gather their findings, the researchers analyzed data from 240 individuals aged 54 to 72 years old over a span of 12 weeks. Each participant wore a fitness tracker, which recorded data such as daily steps and calories burned. The results were surprising: couples who exercised together had lower mean and median step counts, and they met daily step count goals of 10,000 and 15,000 less frequently compared to those who exercised alone.
The lower activity levels observed in couples exercising together seem to be influenced by well-established habits and routines. People tend to become set in their ways over time, making it more difficult to incorporate new activities into their daily lives. Setting a goal of 10,000 steps a day is simpler for one person, as compared to coordinating the schedules and motivations of two individuals. “For these couples, changing daily habits could require a major reshuffling of set habits and routines ingrained in their family life after years of marriage,” says Sapphire Lin, a health scientist at NTU. Demotivation can arise as a result, making it a challenge to maintain regular exercise habits.
As the global population continues to age, the importance of exercise for staying healthy becomes even more evident. Physical and mental health issues tend to accumulate as we grow older, but regular physical activity can help mitigate this decline. While the study highlights the potential challenges faced by older adults in staying fit, it also emphasizes the significance of personalized feedback provided through fitness tracker apps. Participants who received personalized feedback were more active, indicating the effectiveness of tailoring exercise routines to suit individual needs and preferences.
Based on the study’s findings, it may be more effective for older adults to focus on individual exercise routines rather than attempting to exercise as a couple and imposing changes on their partner. By concentrating on personal habits and goals, individuals have more control over their daily activities, making it easier to consistently engage in exercise. This approach also eliminates potential feelings of demotivation that may arise when attempting to align schedules and preferences with a partner.
While exercising with your partner may seem like a good idea for maintaining motivation and accountability, the reality is that older couples may face challenges in implementing consistent exercise routines. Established habits and routines, as well as the difficulty of aligning schedules and motivations, can lead to lower activity levels. However, by focusing on individual exercise routines and providing personalized feedback, older adults can increase their motivation and achieve their health and fitness goals more effectively. The key is to adapt exercise strategies to suit individual preferences and needs, ultimately promoting long-term adherence to physical activity for better overall health and well-being.
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