Gold
Traditional and conservative in their approach to exercise, Golds avoid trendy fitness fads. With comfort and a reverence for tradition, Golds seek a balanced life, aiming not to over-do. Golds prefer structure and routine, valuing experience, safety, proven methods, and information from experts. They’re proud of what they do, and results are what they’re after.
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Their approach and choices are typically rooted in information from medical or fitness professionals, the media, or advice from trusted friends or people they admire. Golds consult authoritative resources for information, gravitating toward exercise based on proven methods, tested and trusted. Golds prefer keeping their exercise plans plain, simple, and easy to execute. Golds typically decide in advance what they’re going to do, and how they’re going to measure a workout—perhaps based on time or distance. With their common sense approach, Golds are careful not to over-do, stopping if they experience pain or discomfort. Safety is a priority, and no aspect of the exercise’s benefit will get their attention unless they’re content that safety has been covered.
Golds are highly sensitized to their bodies. Correct form and proper technique are essential for results and to avoid injury. When learning something new, Golds prefer the step-by-step approach. For instance, in learning a free-weight routine, Golds prefer to learn the proper technique for developing one muscle group to their satisfaction before going on to the next. Once a technique is locked into their memory, they’re ready to move on to the next, but not until then.
Golds are comfortable with predictable environments where they know what to expect and what’s expected. Golds carefully take note of the environment and appreciate a fitness center that is bright, clean, organized, and safe. They like a place for everything and everything in its place. Disarray can distract them from exercise. Too many things to pay attention to creates discomfort.
Friendly and outgoing, Golds are curious about how others do things. They easily connect with people and enjoy interacting with others at the gym, as long as the interaction is compatible with getting the job of exercise done. Proud of what they do, many Golds enjoy sharing their exercise successes with others. Golds enjoy mixing a bit of social interaction into their exercise routine and want an upbeat environment – but they nevertheless make the purpose of the activity clear and avoid socializing that runs counter to their goals.
Advice for Golds
Cardio Equipment
Treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and rowing machines allow you to easily track progress and results. Golds seek familiarity and safety, so plan a routine and stick to it. Keep your mind engaged by watching the machine readouts. A friendly, bright, and clean fitness center is crucial.
Golf and Tennis
Organized sports provide social time and a clear set of conventions to follow. Having a regular plan and location will give you structure and stability. Friendly competition may motivate you to challenge yourself and improve your fitness level.
Group Fitness
Golds require many factors to make group fitness enjoyable. Predictable classes like spinning and strength training allow you to set and meet specific goals. Choose workouts with proven history and results (you’ll likely be skeptical of the newest fads). You enjoy seeing familiar people in class, but may want to avoid overly social environments.
Running
Golds prefer familiar and safe routes with few surprises. Plan in advance and decide whether you’ll measure distance or time. As a Gold, you are careful about injury and will stop if you experience pain. When running by yourself, keep your energy up by singing songs in your head, hashing out problems, or reciting mantras.
Strength Training
It’s important to find a straightforward, safe, and proven program. If you’re just getting started, work with a credentialed trainer to build a routine. Track your progress over time so you can see and share your results.
Swimming
A favorite activity for Golds, swimming combines many important elements for you—emphasis on form, ability to feel your muscles at work, measurement, orderly lanes, and structure. You swim for purpose rather than relaxation or play.
Walking and Hiking
Golds walk with purpose, either at a fast and measurable rate for exercise or with a friend or family member for social connection. Tracking time and distance will motivate you; familiar routes help put you at ease.
- Choose activities that are both proven and promise results.
- Break goals into smaller parts, and set a plan so you can enjoy completing each workout.
- Exercise at a consistent time when possible, keeping track of results.
- Use physical activity as a time to plan.
- Engage with activities that benefit both the mind and body.
Group Ex Classes
The Y offers more than 5,000 group exercise classes per year! Find a class at your family center that’s perfect for your fitness color and schedule.
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