Staying Active with Age

Fitness is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, as you start to get older, turning your sights on maintaining good health is a fantastic thing to do!

As we age, it is normal for our bodies to become more susceptible to various health issues, and physical activity can help prevent or manage these conditions.

We have rounded up some advice that is particularly worth noting for those of you who are wanting to make the most out of your fitness as you start to get older, no matter what stage of your journey you are at:

Select an intensity.

It is important to challenge yourself – physically and mentally. But its crucial at any age to avoid pushing yourself too hard, as this can lead to injuries. It is best to start with gentle exercises, such as stretching or walking, and gradually increase the intensity as you build up your strength and endurance.

Feel the resistance.

Resistance exercise is important to incorporate into any fitness routine. It helps to increase muscle mass, which is important for maintaining balance and mobility. It can be performed using weights, resistance bands or bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges. It is important to use proper form and start light.

Raise your heart rate.

Get the blood pumping with cardiovascular exercise – an essential when it comes to good health and fitness. Walking, cycling, and swimming are great low-impact options that reap benefits without putting too much strain on the joints. Group fitness classes such as Aqua Aerobics, Pilates, or The Trip™ can be a fun way to get your heart rate up and socialise with others.

Let’s get flexible.

Flexibility and balance are also important for older adults. Yoga and Pilates are great for improving flexibility, balance and core strength which can help to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility.

The NHS recommends that those aged 60 and above do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise if you are already active.

Aim to be physically active every day and reduce the time spent sitting or lying down with periods or light activity.

Fitness is essential when it comes to maintaining good health and mobility as our bodies start to change with age, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke and promoting a good overall quality of life.

The options are endless when it comes to activity, but it’s important to note that taking a safe and gradual approach is imperative to any fitness journey.

It can also be a great idea to work with one of our certified personal trainers or fitness instructors who can help you design a routine that meets your specific needs and goals.

Read our Personal Training 101 to find out more.

If you’re unsure about starting a fitness programme, make sure to consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.

Sources: Physical activity guidelines for older adults - NHS (www.nhs.uk) | How much physical activity do older adults need? | Physical Activity | CDC