Pickleball is just one way to try something new and get moving. Photo: Depositphotos

When was the last time you tried a new physical activity? Sport, exercise routine … anything that got you moving.

And we don’t mean something necessarily harder or faster … just different.

Maybe you’ve walked for years but have never picked up a pickleball paddle. Perhaps you’ve always wondered about yoga but never made it through the studio door. Or maybe there’s a dance class, swimming program or tai chi group you’ve noticed and thought, “That looks like fun.”

Consider this your invitation to give it a try.

As part of September Is Healthy Aging® Month and this year’s theme, “Curiosity Has No Age Limit,” today’s tip is simple: try a physical activity that is new to you.

Trade the Workout for an Experiment

Trying something new doesn’t mean signing up for a six-month membership or buying a closet full of equipment.

Treat it as an experiment.

• Take one beginner pickleball lesson.
• Try a yoga class.
• Walk a trail you’ve never explored.
• Get in the pool and swim a few easy laps.
• Put on music and dance around the house.
• Try tai chi in the park.
• Rent a bicycle.
• Take a beginner golf lesson.
• Join a walking group.

You may love it. You may decide it’s absolutely not for you. Either outcome is fine.

The point is that you moved, experimented, and learned something about yourself in the process.

And variety has another advantage: different activities ask different things of the body.

Walking gets you moving and can be done almost anywhere. Swimming provides aerobic activity without requiring you to pound the pavement. Yoga and tai chi can combine elements of strength, flexibility and balance. Dancing adds movement, coordination, music and often a social component.

Even gardening can be more physical than you might think.

And there are plenty of reasons to keep moving. As we’ve reported previously, physical activity may have a stronger role than genes in longevity, another reminder that the choices we make every day can matter.

There’s Good Reason to Keep Moving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s physical activity guidelines for older adults recommend a combination of aerobic, muscle-strengthening and balance activities each week.

For adults 65 and older, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days and activities that improve balance.

But there’s an important message behind those numbers: some physical activity is better than none.

You don’t have to become an athlete to benefit from moving more. You also don’t have to do all of your activity at once. A short walk, a few songs on the dance floor or some time working in the garden all count toward a more active day.

Find Something You Actually Want to Do

There’s no prize for choosing an activity you dislike simply because someone told you it was “good exercise.”

If you hate running, don’t run.

If you find a traditional gym boring, look somewhere else.

The activity you’re most likely to continue is one that gives you a reason to look forward to doing it.

Love being outdoors? Try hiking, cycling, kayaking or a walking group.

Prefer something social? Pickleball, dancing or a group fitness class might be more appealing.

Want something quieter? Yoga, tai chi, swimming or a solo walk may be a better fit.

Like a little competition? Tennis, golf or pickleball could wake up a competitive streak you haven’t used in years.

And if you already have a favorite activity, change one thing. Take a different route. Try a new class. Invite someone along. Learn a new skill connected to it.

Start Where You Are

A new activity should challenge you in a positive way—not leave you feeling as though you have something to prove.

• Start at a level that works for you.
• Give yourself time to learn unfamiliar movements.
• Pay attention to how you feel, and if you have a health condition, injury or concern about beginning a new activity, talk with your healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you.

Most importantly, keep the first outing in perspective.

You don’t have to be good at pickleball the first time you play. You don’t need perfect balance in your first yoga class. And nobody expects you to remember every dance step.

Being a beginner is part of the fun.

This September, choose one way to move that you haven’t tried before—or haven’t tried in a very long time.

You might discover a new favorite activity.

And if not? You’ll still have a good story about the day you tried.