Its good to exercise whatever your age
By Lisa Salmon. Published 2020-09-03BOLD-Fitness
Think getting older should mean putting your feet up? think again
How much exercise should you do?Studies show that 3-5% of muscle is lost every year from the age of 30 onwards, if steps aren’t taken to maintain it. Official guidelines suggest adults should do activities to strengthen muscles and bones and challenge balance and coordination at least twice a week, as this will not only prevent falls, but also improve mood, help sleep patterns and bring overall health and wellbeing benefits.
Do things you actually enjoyExercise doesn’t have to be torture or punishment! Physiotherapists recommend everyone finds a physical activity they enjoy, so they’ll keep going. Try involving family and friends for support and motivation too – you’re much more likely to maintain an exercise routine if you do it with other people.Then set goals – big or small – to keep you motivated, and pace yourself by starting slowly and gradually building up your activity. The CSP says it’s OK to ache a bit, but if pain persists or gets worse, ease back and go slower.
What sort of exercise should people do?“You don’t need to lift huge weights to strengthen your muscles,” says Hallam. “You can start to build strength by completing everyday activities, like carrying shopping, washing the car and digging in the garden.”
Seek advice if you’re unsureIf you have a history of joint pain or problems, or any other ongoing health issues, it’s always advisable to speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime. And if joint problems are a concern, a physiotherapist will be able to advise on how best to proceed with an exercise programme.
6 activities that benefit peopleUnsure where to start? Consider incorporating some of these into your routine: Aerobic exerciseSwimming or walking briskly will raise heart and breathing rates, benefit the cardiovascular system and help keep weight in check. Exercising in a swimming pool can include walking, squats, marching and side-stepping as well as swimming. All these activities improve fitness and are low impact on the joints.Strength and balance activitiesTai chi, racquet sports and Pilates can help maintain muscle mass and improve posture and stability.Weight-bearing exerciseActivities such as washing the car, carrying shopping or gardening can help maintain bone density and strength. “If you incorporate these activities into your daily routine, it won’t be long before you start to feel the benefits,” says Hallam. “But as with any activity, our bodies adapt quickly, so always make sure you’re challenging yourself – getting off the bus a stop earlier or carrying the shopping a little further, for example.”Gentle stretchingStretching muscles through activities such as such as Tai chi or yoga will help promote flexibility and range of motion in jointsAvoiding sitting for long periodsDevelop prompts to remind yourself to get on your feet – stand to make phone calls or get up during the advert breaks when watching TV, for instance.Gym machinesJoining a gym is a good way to access resistance machines or weights. Most gyms have personal trainers or staff who can show you how to use the machines safely.Home exercisesIf you’re not a member of a gym, there are many body weight exercises you can do at home. see the link o the side of this article for some ideas.
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