So, you’ve passed 65, I know what it feels like to spend a fair share of time on the couch. I’m 73 and suddenly find myself wondering if it’s too late to start hitting the gym. Here’s the good news: it’s never too late. Whether your goal is better health, more energy, or just keeping up with the grandkids, the gym can be a game-changer, even if your last real workout involved mowing the lawn back in ’92.

Step 1: Check in With Your Doctor

Before lacing up those sneakers, schedule a quick chat with your healthcare provider. A doctor’s thumbs-up not only gives you peace of mind but also helps you understand any limitations (like joint issues, high blood pressure, or arthritis) so you can tailor workouts safely.

Step 2: Start Slow (Really Slow)

Forget what the 20-somethings are doing at the squat rack. For beginners over 65, consistency beats intensity every single time. Start with:

• Walking on the treadmill for 10–15 minutes

• Light resistance bands for arms and shoulders

• Bodyweight exercises like wall push-ups or chair squats

The key? Move a little, rest a little, and build from there.

Step 3: Focus on Strength and Balance

Muscle loss and balance issues are the big culprits as we age—but the gym is your best defense. Add in exercises like:

• Light dumbbell curls and presses (2–5 lbs to start)

• Leg presses or step-ups to strengthen legs

• Balance drills like standing on one foot (with a wall nearby, of course!)

Even two short strength sessions a week can make everyday activities—like carrying groceries or climbing stairs—feel easier.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Flexibility

Stretching often gets ignored, but it’s critical for older beginners. End each session with simple stretches for your hamstrings, shoulders, and back. Yoga or gentle mobility classes are also great options for staying limber.

Step 5: Make It Social and Fun

The gym isn’t just about exercise—it’s about community. Try a beginner-friendly group class (many gyms offer “silver” programs designed for seniors), or partner up with a friend. Music, audiobooks, or even watching your favorite show on the treadmill can also keep you motivated.

Step 6: Celebrate Small Wins

Ran a mile on the treadmill without stopping? Lifted more than you did last week? Or just showed up three times this month? Celebrate it! Progress is progress, and at our age, it matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Starting at the gym after 65—especially if you’ve been more couch potato than athlete—might feel intimidating. But with the right mindset, a slow-and-steady approach, and a focus on strength, balance, and flexibility, you can transform not only your body but your overall quality of life.

So grab those sneakers, pack that water bottle, and remember: the best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is today.

Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Blah, blah, Naot, blah, blah, blah

That’s what I heard out of my wife’s mouth.

She has some definite opinions on brands that she loves and sometimes she goes on and on (and on and on) about them. I’ve been hearing her talk about Naot shoes for…I can’t tell you how many years. Of course, I had no idea that they made men’s shoes and sneakers as well as women’s, so when she mentioned that she wanted us to create a his and hers Naot post on her Champagne Living site I figured that I’d find out what all of the fuss was about.

And NOW I KNOW

This is why I decided that I should tell my golf buddies about a pair of sneakers that are so comfortable that I even wear them around the house (FYI – I am usually barefoot in the house because I hate wearing shoes).

Meet the Naot Galaxy 

Zippy picked these out without asking me, and because she knows both the brand (and me) so well, I trusted her. She knows that I go walking daily, so I need a pair of sneakers to slip on to do my mile, and she knows that I can’t WAIT to get my golf shoes off after a round because I find them heavy and after being in them for 18 holes, they become torture.

These Naot Galaxy’s are perfect to tuck into your duffle bag to change into before walking into the clubhouse. I keep them in my duffle bag right on the golf cart, so I can slip into them immediately after playing.

I must say that the Galaxy sneakers are out of this world comfortable (aptly named).

I’ve had lightweight knit sneakers before, but never with a footbed like this! The Galaxy has a removable cork & latex footbed that provides all-day comfort, and the cork + latex creates a lightness that I’ve not found before in other sneakers. With a 1.5″ slip-resistant sole the Galaxy uses a hand-sewn Strobel construction making it strong and extremely flexible, so much so, that I’ve taken to wearing them at the driving range as the added motion that I can get from the flexibility means a better SWING for me.

Sizing

I normally wear an 11.5 WIDE. While these shoes only come medium width, sizing up on half size to a 12 provided enough give in the shoe to allow for the width of my foot. The fabric is incredibly forgiving for a wider foot anyway, and I found them to be sized just right making that little adjustment.

At 70 years old I need the support

Being able to add an orthotic to a sneaker is also important to a lot of us who are on the older side. The Men’s Galaxy has a removable footbed and is orthotic friendly, and they are also slip-resistant for more stability when walking.

Vegan and foot healthy

Galaxy sneakers are vegan and for those of us who suffer from foot and back pain, these are American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) accepted for promoting good foot health.

I still hear blah, blah NAOT blah, blah

The difference is that now I’m saying it too!

• Buy these and other great shoes at Naot.com
• Available in black and light gray

When was the last time you ditched the golf cart and walked the course? I know, it’s so much easier, the sun is off your head, etc. There are a million reasons that we take the cart, but as many reasons as we have to take the cart, there isn’t even enough space here to include all the benefits of walking the golf course. Walking is simple to do, most healthy people can do it, and most golf clubs are the perfect place to get that exercise in during a round. You can start by walking the back 9 and progress to the full 18.

Here’s why you should consider it.

1. Burns More Calories – Walking burns calories like any other exercise, but without the impact and stress that other forms of exercise can like jogging and running. Even if you’re not feeling well, you can go on a leisurely stroll and still get the benefits of the movement.

2. Builds a Strong Heart – Working out always helps your heart because you cause your cardiovascular system to work a little harder, which is good for it when you’re healthy. Keeping your heart strong will keep you alive much longer.

3. Builds Better Bone Health – As we age, our bones become more brittle and we experience more pain. This can lead to broken bones and other issues. But if you keep walking and moving, you’ll be less likely to develop those problems.

4. Improves Balance and Coordination – The more you use your body, the more it works for you. Walking more often improves your balance and coordination because your body gets used to standing upright and moving more often. It’s a matter of practice and getting the muscles and ligaments strong and balance (and coordination) are so important to the game of golf.

5. Improves Your Lung Capacity – Walking will get your breathing up and cause you to build your lung capacity. Usually, it takes about six to eight weeks of cardiovascular workouts to see the full improvement that you can experience. Even though you may not walk that fast as you walk to the tee box, you’ll still be doing your lungs some good.

6. Lower Your Blood Sugar – People with high blood sugar can see huge benefits from walking and burning off that extra sugar in their blood. It’s not a cure for type 1 diabetes but it can help people with type 2 tremendously, and it can help people with type 1 lower their insulin requirements.

7. Eases Joint Pain – Did you see that? Do you complain about how you ache when you get home from playing? As people age, they tend to get joint pain, often caused by arthritis. It might seem counter-intuitive to keep moving through that pain, but the pain from arthritis absolutely can be reduced from more movement. This is because arthritis causes a build-up of scar tissue in the joints from lack of movement, so if you move more it can stop that problem.

8. Boosts Your Immunity – Getting your blood pumping and your cardiovascular system working will also boost your immunity from regular common illnesses like colds.

9. Energizes You – Anytime you’re feeling tired for no reason, try going on a fast, ten-minute walk and you’ll find that you have much more energy. This is one reason a walk is an excellent way to take on the course.

10. Improves Your Mental Health and Mood – A nice walk on a nature-laden golf course can vastly improve your mental health and mood. If you are feeling down, getting out in nature for walking instead of taking a cart can help.

11. Helps You Live Longer and Healthier – When you incorporate daily exercise into your life, it will extend your life. Not only that, but you’ll also enjoy your life much longer because you won’t be as sick or in as much pain.

12. Strengthens and Tone Your Leg Muscles – There is no hiding the fact that walkers have good legs, but it does also improve muscle tone all over your body – especially if you work on getting your arms in on the action (just don’t hit anyone with your driver as you walk along) and pay close attention to your glutes and core muscles.

13. Boosts Your Creativity – Anytime you’re having a glut of good ideas for anything you’re trying to accomplish, going for a walk without technology, just you and nature (or just you and the treadmill), you’ll get a boost of creativity that will carry you through.

Walking is something almost anyone can do. Because of that fact, it makes it the perfect exercise to start if you want to get healthier and improve your life in every single way. When are you going to start your walking program?