Do you love your exercise routine? If not, it may be time to tweak your fitness activities to make them more fun — and more effective.

The organizers of National Senior Health & Fitness Day — recognized this year on May 30 — want you to know that participating in a regular exercise program can provide you with a wealth of benefits. And you can have fun while you are getting fit.

What are some steps you can take this month to add a spring to your step as you enliven your exercise program?

Balance Your Workouts

Many regular exercisers stick to one type of activity, like lifting weights, walking or playing tennis. However, you need a mix of several different types of workouts to target different aspects of your physical fitness.

What are the types of exercises you should be doing?

• Aerobic: Endurance activities improve your heart and breathing rates, and they promote your overall fitness.
• Balance: Exercises promoting balance provide stability and help you avoid falls as you age.
• Strength: Lifting weights and engaging in other types of strength workouts help you maintain and build muscle mass.
• Flexibility: Stretching exercises help you keep your muscles limber and avoid injury.

Try Something New

When was the last time you tried something completely new and different? If you’re a regular swimmer, consider mixing things up by taking a tai chi class, which helps with both balance and flexibility. If you enjoy lifting weights, why not enjoy a hike or a bike ride for a greater aerobic workout?

By taking on a new activity or sport, you can work different muscle groups, achieve different fitness objectives, and make your workout more enjoyable. For example, Pilates provides a way to stay fit as you lower the risk of injury. With a focus on controlled movements — as opposed to many repetitions — and controlled breathing, Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that works for people of varying ages and fitness levels.

Ignore the Myths and Keep Exercising!

For various reasons, many older adults abandon their exercise programs, and some never start; just 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 participate in regular exercise.

In too many cases, older adults buy into false stereotypes associated with aging. If you think you’re too old, too out-of-shape or too slow to exercise, it’s time to ignore the myths and get moving!

The truth is that some form of exercise can benefit just about everyone at any age. With so many options available, you can find an activity or class that you enjoy and that fits your personal preferences and fitness level. Exercise is a critical investment in your personal health that can pay many dividends, including improved mood, better strength, reduced bone loss, and increased coordination and balance.

If you’ve never exercised, May is a great time to check with your doctor and get started — in honor of National Senior Health & Fitness Day. If you’re a regular exerciser already, consider trying a new activity and balancing your workouts. Regardless of your age or fitness level, believe that you can make healthy movement a permanent part of your life.