Spare us the doctors' warnings and tell us no inspirational stories. If we're like most boomers, we'll get in shape for two main reasons: to feel good and look good.

And when it comes to our "problem areas," abs kick butt big time, according to the first Eons Boomer Fitness Survey, conducted this spring. A whopping 66 percent of those taking the survey cited abdominals as their No. 1 area in need of work.

Still, more than half of the respondents rated themselves as being in excellent or above-average condition.

An active generation

The fact that we're staying physically active should come as no surprise. We are the most physically active and healthiest generation in history. We fueled the aerobics movement and have crowded the running paths across the country, and now we're reaping the dividends of our active lifestyles.

"Baby boomers are the generation that made Jane Fonda's aerobics videos best-sellers and they took up Jim Fixx's challenge to become a nation of runners," said Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of Eons. "They have goals they want to accomplish, whether it's travel, building new relationships, or just living the biggest life possible, and boomers know they can only do that if they keep their chassis in great shape."

Scott "Q" Marcus, an Eons fitness advisor whose "Walking the Walk" blog on eons.com inspires readers with practical, powerful and effective fitness and weight-loss advice, said, "The key to fitness is to remember that 'small steps done regularly always generate better results than large steps done intermittently.' In other words, it's better to walk a block -- and actually do it -- than promise yourself you'll run a mile, but sleep in instead. No one can do it all; you can't be perfect. But you can be better."

More than 4,000 Eons members, most between ages 50 and 65, completed the online survey, conducted in conjunction with health benefits company Humana Inc.

Dr. Robert Pope, medical director for Humana's senior segment, saw encouraging signs among the seniors who took the survey:

"We've consistently promoted the benefits of physical activity and healthier lifestyles," he said, "but it's encouraging to see that seniors are taking it all so seriously. It's difficult to get motivated at any age, and I think we can all learn a lesson from the exercise habits of these seniors."

Survey highlights

Here are some of the highlights from the survey:


  • Looking good: The top reasons for starting fitness programs were to feel good (42 percent), look good (19 percent), and to relieve stress or address a health concern (17 percent).
  • Problem areas: When asked to identify their No. 1 problem body area, 66 percent cited their abdominals, while 10 percent said hips and buttocks. Combined, arms and legs were most important to 7 percent.
  • Physical limitations: More than half, 52 percent, said they have no physical limitations that would keep them from the activities that help them stay fit.
  • Competition: Competitive sports were out of favor with 66 percent of respondents, with the exception of golf (7 percent of respondents play it for fitness), competitive running (4 percent) and tennis (3 percent).
  • Longtime habit: Most respondents, 73 percent, said their fitness-building habits are more than a year old.
  • Moderate intensity: A majority, 58 percent, called their fitness activity level moderate, while 22 percent said they exercised at a high or very high intensity.
  • Fewer joggers: Walking is the favorite fitness activity for 48 percent of respondents. Fifteen percent lift weights, 7 percent bike, ski or participate in other outdoor activities, and 5 percent run or jog.
  • Going solo: More boomers prefer to exercise alone (43 percent) than with an exercise buddy (21 percent).
  • Yoga maybe: Exercise classes that boomers were most interested in exploring were yoga/Pilates (22 percent) and aerobics/dance (12 percent).
  • Given the time: When asked what fitness activity they would indulge in if they had sufficient time and money, 40 percent said they would take an extended walk, 17 percent would take an active vacation, 15 percent would participate in an outdoor activity and 11 percent would run or bicycle.

"In 90 different discussion groups, Eons members are learning and sharing their wisdom about fitness over 50, weight loss, nutrition and specific fitness activities like biking and swimming. Boomers grew up before video games and 900 cable channels - they have always been active and in motion, and they're not stopping now!" said Taylor.