What Senior Members of the Church Can Do to Stay Fit

What Senior Members of the Church Can Do to Stay Fit and Healthy Amidst COVID-19

Are you looking for some ways to safely combine faith and fitness during the pandemic? These tips from Hartford United Methodist Church will tell you everything you need to know! 

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to stay fit and healthy during the pandemic, one option is to provide free yard care services to other senior (or disabled) members of your church. You could shovel snow in the winter, rake leaves in the fall and spring, and mow lawns in the summer. CareCalendar is a great way to organize care services in your community, but remember to wear a face mask and practice social distancing if other church members will be joining you.

Exercising at home doesn’t necessarily relate to church, but it’s one way to stay fit and healthy amidst COVID-19. You can find online workouts and yoga classes, or you could join the free SilverSneakers fitness program if you’re covered under a participating Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan. SilverSneakers fitness memberships aren’t covered under all Medicare plans, however, so you’ll need to check your eligibility to determine whether you can benefit from this free program.

Whether you’re attending virtual, in-person, or curbside church services during the pandemic, it’s possible to combine faith and fitness while keeping yourself (and others) safe from the coronavirus. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Purchase an exercise bike. When tuning into Hartford United Methodist Church’s weekly worship services via YouTube, you could ride your exercise bike and get fit while attending church. Other senior-friendly exercise equipment to make use of during virtual church services include cable strength machines, free weights, kettlebells, and low-impact treadmills. 
• Connect virtually with fitness-minded church friends. Set up a bible study with other members of the congregation. This is a great opportunity for connecting with church friends and forming new relationships with other fitness-minded attendees. While wearing masks and practicing social distancing, you may even be able to gather in person with a church friend for a walk, outdoor exercise class, bike ride, or round of golf. 
• Form an exercise group. With other senior members of the church, you could form your own virtual or outdoor exercise group. Popsugar Fitness shares some tips for setting up a video chat workout with friends. 
• Walk or bike to church. If you choose to worship in person, you could walk or ride a bike to church each week if you live close enough. Just remember to wear your face mask, bring a water bottle, and avoid crowds of other people. 

Combining faith and fitness is easier than you’d think, even in the midst of a pandemic. These tips will help you to stay healthy, fit, spiritual, and social — all without putting you or other senior members of your church at risk. 

Are you looking for a safe yet fun way to attend church services during the pandemic? Tune into Hartford United Methodist Church’s live-streamed services through Facebook every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Connect with Hartford United Methodist Church via phone 269-621-4103 or email hartfordmethodist@gmail.com.