Regular movement can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, energy, and independence. The best activity is one that is safe, enjoyable, and appropriate for your abilities.

You do not have to be an athlete to benefit. Walking, stretching, gardening, water exercise, chair-based movement, and recreation programs can all help you stay active.

Build a Balanced Routine

A well-rounded routine generally includes several kinds of activity:

• Endurance activities, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or low-impact aerobics, support heart and lung health.
• Strength activities, such as resistance bands, light weights, or body-weight exercises, help maintain muscles needed for everyday tasks.
• Balance exercises may help improve stability and reduce the risk of falling.
• Flexibility exercises help maintain comfortable movement and range of motion.

The National Institute on Aging provides reliable information about exercise and physical activity for older adults.

Walking and Low-Impact Exercise

Walking is an accessible way to become more active. Begin with a distance and pace that feel manageable, and gradually increase your activity as appropriate.

For safer walking:

• Wear supportive, properly fitting shoes.
• Choose a familiar, well-lighted route with an even surface.
• Carry a telephone and identification.
• Let someone know where you are going.
• Stay hydrated and avoid extreme heat or cold.
• Use sidewalks and designated paths when available.
• Face traffic if no sidewalk is available.
• Stop if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual weakness.

Indoor walking, stationary cycling, water exercise, chair exercise, and tai chi may be helpful alternatives for people who prefer lower-impact activities.

Pinehurst Parks, Greenways and Walking Paths

The Village maintains parks, greenway trails, walking paths, and recreation facilities that provide opportunities to be active outdoors.

Visit Pinehurst Parks and Greenway Trails to explore locations and trail information. A Pinehurst parks and trails map is also available through the Village’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Before visiting an unfamiliar route, review its distance, surface, parking, restroom availability, shade, and accessibility. Conditions may vary between locations.

Moore County Fitness Programs

The Moore County Senior Enrichment Center offers a fitness room with cardiovascular and strength-training equipment. Group exercise offerings may include yoga, tai chi, seated stretching, circuit training, and other beginner- and intermediate-level classes.

The program is available to Moore County residents age 50 and older. Medical clearance and a new-member orientation are required before using the fitness room. Classes, schedules, and fees are subject to change.

Review current information on the Moore County Department of Aging Fitness page, or call 910-947-4483.

Pinehurst Recreation Programs

Pinehurst Parks and Recreation offers fitness, athletic, senior, and special-needs programming. Current activities, schedules, fees, and registration information are available at PinehurstRec.org.

Pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, and horseshoe equipment may also be available for free checkout during business hours at the Parks and Recreation office.

For information, call Pinehurst Parks and Recreation at 910-295-2817.

Senior Games in the Pines

Senior Games in the Pines offers adults an opportunity to participate in athletic and creative events in a friendly, supportive setting.

The local program is jointly hosted by the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center and the parks and recreation departments of Aberdeen, Moore County, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines.

Participants can choose activities suited to their interests and experience. Contact Pinehurst Parks and Recreation at 910-295-2817 for current registration and event information.

Balance and Fall Prevention

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Exercise that improves leg strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility may help reduce fall risk.

Additional steps include:

• Have medications reviewed for side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.
• Schedule regular vision and hearing checks.
• Use prescribed canes, walkers, and other mobility aids correctly.
• Address loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, and other hazards at home.
• Tell a healthcare professional about any fall, near-fall, dizziness, or new difficulty walking.
• Ask whether physical therapy or an evidence-based fall-prevention program would be appropriate.

Visit the CDC’s Older Adult Fall Prevention resources for additional guidance.

Exercising With Health or Mobility Limitations

Many activities can be modified for people with arthritis, limited stamina, balance concerns, chronic conditions, or disabilities. Options may include seated exercise, water-based activity, shorter activity periods, adaptive equipment, or one-on-one instruction.

Before beginning or substantially changing an exercise program, consult a qualified healthcare professional if you:

• Have been inactive for an extended period
• Have a heart, lung, neurological, or other chronic condition
• Recently had surgery, an injury, or a fall
• Experience dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, or unexplained shortness of breath
• Are uncertain about which activities are safe

A physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or qualified fitness professional can help identify appropriate activities and modifications.

Adaptive Recreation and Accessibility

Pinehurst Parks and Recreation offers programs for people with a variety of needs and abilities. If you need an accommodation or want to confirm whether a facility, trail, or program will meet your needs, contact the department before registering or visiting.

Ask about:

• Accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms
• Trail surfaces and distances
• Seated or modified activities
• Adaptive equipment
• Assistance participating in a program
• Program pace and physical requirements

Contact Pinehurst Parks and Recreation at 910-295-2817 or visit its program and facility information page.

For a medical emergency, call 911. This information is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.