How To Start Your Fitness Journey Later In Life
Starting a new fitness routine, especially if you’ve never been very active before, can sometimes feel a bit daunting but the truth is, it’s never too late to start looking after your health and wellbeing.
A recent study from Oslo University Hospital found that getting fit in middle age halves the risk of stroke.
No matter how old you are or how able bodied you are, there’s always something you can do to take those first steps to a healthier you.
Start Small
As the saying goes, the first step is always the hardest. But the smaller the step the easier it is to achieve - so don’t be afraid to take it!
Average levels of exercise has dropped significantly since the 1960’s with 41% of people between 40-60 years of not even managing a 10 minute brisk walk once a month. So if you’ve never had a fitness routine before, you may want to start with a short walk. Take it slow and steady to begin with to avoid injury and slowly build your stamina over time.
Once you’ve taken the first step, the rest will follow!
Swim For Fitness
If you’re prone to painful joints or have a niggling injury, try a moderate swim to ease you into a new healthy lifestyle. Swimming is one of the best ways to burn calories and stimulate muscle while still being low-impact and gentle on your joints. If you don’t feel you’re a confident swimmer just yet, an aqua class is the perfect way to try something new and get that heart rate up in a safe and relaxing environment.
Experts Are On Hand To Help You
If you’re not sure where to start, ask an expert! There’s plenty of people who have many years of experience guiding people who are new to fitness so don’t be afraid to ask for some advice.
If you have an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes or arthritis, you may be eligible to join a Fitness Unlimited membership through the GP referral scheme. All referrals are entitled to a discounted membership as well as a 12 week plan that is carefully tailored to you and your lifestyle.
Ann, who found fitness later in life through the referral scheme said;
“I believed being more active would help me with the pain in my left knee due to Osteo-Athritis which had a massive effect on my mobility. I was due to have a knee replacement but I decided to wait and see if getting fitter and losing weight would help first. When I met my referral specialist Lynn, I was made completely at ease. She introduced me to the twice weekly Silver Circuit class which I settled into quickly. She then set a gym programme for me checking on my progress at regular intervals. The benefits from this programme have been amazing! I’ve lost weight, improved my social life and I am now able to walk without pain in my knee!”
Improve Your Memory
When people over 50 take part in moderate exercise, a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that memory and thinking skills are improved. Just another reason to get active in your later years!
Attend A Specialised Class
There are many classes designed specifically for the over 60’s such as Silver Circuits. This is a great way for older adults to improve their fitness with a variety of gentle exercises focusing on increasing mobility and improving overall health, not to mention the huge social benefits! If it’s something a bit more relaxing you’re after, then maybe something like Yoga or Pilates is worth a try to stretch those muscles and improve flexibility.
Are you ready to make a start? Check out the classes available at your nearest venue.