Whether you’re 65 and a part of the senior age group, or you’re in your 50s but have not partaken in a workout regimen in a while, this article is for you!  Starting a new exercise program may not be as easy as when you were younger, but that doesn’t mean that you need to stay inactive.  You just need to start with a new plan.

We spoke with Joan Jacobsen, who at the age of 56 started an exercise program that helped her lose 60 pounds and achieve the best shape of her life.  She shared details on how she got her program started.

Start with the Wii Fit

Each session for the Wii Fit should be 45 minutes.  For beginners, Joan recommends the following in this order:

• Balance Exercises: Ski Slalom, Ski Jump, Table Tilt
• Aerobic Exercises: 70 Seconds Hula-Hoop, Basic Step and Basic Run
• Strength Exercises: Triceps Extension, Rowing Squat, Lunge and Torso Twists
• Yoga Poses: Deep Breathing, Sun Salutation, Warrior and Half Moon
• More Aerobic Exercises: 3-Minute Hula-Hoop

Add a Leslie Sansone walking DVD

The Leslie Sansone DVD for me (I’m not current with what is available now) is the Walk Away the Pounds 1, 2, and 3 mile walk. It came with 1-1/2 pound ball weights, which I think are great for just starting out.  I would suggest starting with the 1-mile walk, which is 20 minutes.

Exercise with a hula-hoop (a real one not virtual)

This should be a 30 minute session of using the hula-hoop.

(To fit all of these exercises into my days, I would work out with the Wii Fit in the morning before work, and hula-hoop and use the DVD after work.)