Get Fit Fast Challenge: Exercise for Everyday Life

Learn how to lift, carry, and squat safely and effectively to make real-life movements easier.

Fitness is about so much more than what you do during your formal workouts. It’s also about how you spend the other hours and minutes of every day.

Fortunately, your workout time can make you stronger in everyday life. And even your day-to-day around-the-house tasks can make you fitter for your workouts. That’s because some of the most beneficial total-body strength exercises actually mimic real-life movements.

In this video, SilverSneakers Live instructor Sims Corbett explains how to do functional daily tasks—deadlifts, carries, and squats—safely and effectively. Whether you’re “working out” or loading groceries into the back seat of your car, you’ll want to put them into practice.

How Exercise for Everyday Life Works

Find some open floor space, a sturdy chair or couch, and a weight, such as a dumbbell, water bottle, or jug. If you’d like support during any of the exercises, set up near a wall or sturdy chair. It’s also helpful to have water, and you should feel free to sip as you need.

To keep tabs on your effort, use a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest. You can ramp up or dial down as you need, and you shouldn’t need to go further than a 6 or 7 here. As you move, keep breathing, prioritize good form, and listen to your body.

As always, safety is key. The exercises here may be different or more advanced than those you’ll experience in a SilverSneakers class. If you have a chronic condition, an injury, or balance issues, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.

Take Your Favorite SilverSneakers Classes Online!

SilverSneakers members can access live fitness classes and wellness workshops through SilverSneakers LIVE. See the latest schedule and RSVP for classes here.

Not a member? If you have a Medicare Plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.