Exercise
Regular movement not only supports physical health, but a positive mood as well. There are many ways to get active that do not require a gym membership.
The goal is simply to move more in a way that feels comfortable and safe. This could include gentle activities like walking, stretching, hiking, or water aerobics. Even everyday tasks like gardening, playing with family, or doing household chores are valuable types of movement that contribute to your wellbeing. Our community offers many options to help you get started, and local senior centers, community centers, and parks often have free or low-cost programs, accessible paths, and groups to join. Finding simple ways to move towards your physical activity goals is about discovering what brings you joy.
Get Active
Regular movement is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental health. This looks different for everyone, depending on your age, ability, culture, and daily life.
- Start simple: Gentle movement is powerful. Start your day with simple stretches, which can be done standing, sitting in a chair, or even in bed.
- Try low-impact options: Gentle yoga or Tai Chi are also excellent, low-impact ways to improve balance and flexibility.
- Use your own space: Many activities can be done at home using your own body weight or use a resistance band for a strength-building routine.
- Move at work: Have small weights in your office or around your home for doing arm exercises.
- Walk together: Take a walk on your lunch breaks. Or try “walking meetings” with colleagues at work. Find other ways to stay active at work and get additional tips to move more when time is in short supply.
Accessible Resources for Everyone
- For Older Adults: The National Institute on Aging (NIH) offers exercise videos and quick tips. Find community exercise classes for older adults across Island County.
- For People with Disabilities: The CDC provides exercise tips, and the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, & Disability (NCHPAD) shares workouts and videos. Find ADA-accessible trails at Washington State Parks in Island County and searching activities on protected properties for Whidbey-Camano Land Trust.
- For Everyone: Find simple, effective stretches from the Mayo Clinic to get started. Check out the Move Your Way program for free exercise videos and tips.
Find Classes and Exercise Tips
South and Central Whidbey Island
- South Whidbey Parks and Recreation: Find program information for youth and adults for South Whidbey.
- South Whidbey Community Center: Center for recreation, education, and social services.
North Whidbey
- Oak Harbor Parks and Recreation: Find program information for youth and adults for South Whidbey.
- North Whidbey Parks and Recreation: Youth activities, community swimming pool, and more!
- The Center: Exercise, Yoga, and Tai Chi classes in Oak Harbor.
Camano Island
- The Camano Center: Find exercise classes for older adults on Camano Island.
- Stanwood Parks & Recreation: Find local classes, organized sports, and hiking trails.
All Island County
- Bicycling in Island County: Interactive map sharing local biking trails, hills, and speed limits.
- Getting to the Water’s Edge: Find local beach access in our community.
- Whidbey Camano Land Trust: Find ADA accessible trails at local preserves.
- Island County Parks & Recreation: Find local trails and parks.
- Washington Trail Association: Find local hiking trails in Island County, including ADA accessible trails.
- Washington State Parks: Find state parks and available activities in Island County.
- Healthy Island Youth Initiative: Scholarships to children and youth to help with the costs of participating in physical activities.
- Senior Falls Prevention: Find local classes to improve your balance and strength to prevent falls.