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Being More Active?

You are never too old to become more active.

However everyone - but especially us Seniors - needs to be very careful not to overstrain or overdo any exercise. We would advise that you always consult your GP before embarking on any fitness regime.

Being More Active will:-

Strengthen your heart
Help lower your blood pressure
Help control your weight
Improve your circulation
Help lower your blood cholesterol levels
Help reduce stress levels

This will help you to:

Finish the day as fresh as you started it Feel full of beans
Keep up with the grandchildren and give them occasional surprises
Enjoy deep refreshing sleep every night
Walk up the stairs without getting out of breath
Gain the passport to ripe old age and give you the vitality to enjoy it.

Adopt the Activity Habit By:

Choose an activity that you enjoy
Choose a suitable location to take part in the activity
Make time to be active, ie instead of watching the television or reading that book
Encourage a friend to join in with you
Do a little each day (10 - 30 minutes of moderate activity over the course of a day)
Avoid eating within 2 hours of exercise
Begin gently and progress gradually
If attending a structured fitness class - Let the instructor know that you are new to the activity.
If you haven't done any physical activity for some time - have a check with your GP.
Remember that consistent commitment to physical activity will encourage long term health benefits.

What to do?

There are loads of ways to become more physically active that you can build into your daily routine.

But remember always start gently - short bursts of strong physical activity can be very dangerous to us - if you are out of condition then do nothing more strenuous than walking!

HOW ABOUT

WALKING
SWIMMING
CYCLING
Strength Training for Seniors

RUNNING OR JOGGING (at our age avoid running!) are probably the cheapest sports in the world. You can jog anywhere - within reason and the main outlay is a pair of running shoes. It is worth investing in a good pair of shoes because the cushioning and flexibility specifically designed for running will be far better then an indoor pair of football or indoor sports shoes. The weather and time of year will determine what sort of clothing that you need to wear, but a comfortable, loose tee shirt and cotton shorts are a start. A light weight jacket and loose bottoms, in a layered system can be added in the winter plus an extra top, hat and gloves as required. Wear what makes you feel comfortable!!!

HOW IS YOUR GENERAL FITNESS?

Don't know? Then why not go along to your local sports centre (most councils have one) and have a fitness assessment.
A fitness assessment programme is usually designed to provide you with key information to allow you to make changes to your lifestyle and should provide you with details about:
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cholesterol Level
  • Body fat percentage
  • Strength
  • Stamina
  • Suppleness
  • Aerobic Capacity