How I Learned the Joys of Running Well into My 60's - And Loving It!

I never imagined I'd be running at this stage of my life. But, through IFIT and one of my favorite trainers, Tommy Rivs, I discovered that age doesn't determine what we're capable of. Our bodies may change, but we can still challenge ourselves, grow stronger, and surprise ourselves.

For years, doctors have told us that regular exercise is one of the keys to longevity. Walking has long been considered one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise. It requires little more than a comfortable pair of sneakers and, ideally, good weather.

But living in New England, that isn't always possible. Snow, ice, and bitter winter temperatures can make walking outdoors difficult ~ and sometimes unsafe. Investing in a home treadmill completely changed everything for me. It allowed me to exercise whenever I wanted, regardless of the weather or time of day. The convenience of simply walking into another room eliminated every excuse I had for skipping my workout.

One of the biggest reasons I've stayed motivated is my NordicTrack treadmill paired with my IFIT membership. One of my favorite IFIT trainers is Tommy Rivs, whose knowledge and encouragement make every workout feel like an adventure. I have learned so much from him, and not just about running. With a doctorate in physical therapy and an incredible ability to educate while motivating, he has transformed exercise from something I should do into something I genuinely look forward to doing.

Whether I'm exploring the beautiful Swiss Alps, hiking through Italy's Dolomite Mountains, or running along the breathtaking coastline of Nazare, Portugal, home to some of the world's largest waves. Each workout truly feels like traveling to another part of the world. The videography is stunning. The running series with Tommy begins with workouts of about 20 minutes. Teaching you the dynamics of the movement. He gradually builds you to approximately 30 minutes using a combination of walking and running while teaching proper running mechanics along the way.

Before I knew it, I had virtually explored places I may never have the opportunity to visit in person ~ all while improving my health.

One unexpected bonus, which I didn't discover until my second year of membership, was that my health insurance reimbursed the cost of my IFIT membership.

Everywhere you turn, you see advice about healthy aging and longevity. One recommendation is consistent: keep moving. "Use it or lose it". Strong legs help maintain balance, mobility, and independence as we age. In fact, decreased leg strength is one of the leading contributors to falls in older adults. This can significantly affect long-term health and quality of life.

If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate where you can comfortably walk outdoors year-round, take advantage of it. Fresh air, sunshine, and time in nature provide benefits beyond exercise alone. Time spent outdoors improves mood and increases vitamin D levels.

The important thing isn't how you get your exercise ~ it's simply that you do it. So, lace up your sneakers and keep moving! Your future self will thank you.

Disclaimer: This post may contain Amazon Affiliate links. I may earn compensation at no additional cost to you.

Links to the Products I use:

• NordicTrack Treadmill –
• IFIT Membership-
• Nike Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes-