As we age, it becomes more important to stay active and exercise regularly. However, it is also important to exercise safely and not overdo it. This means finding the right balance of activity that works for you. There are many benefits to exercising as we age and people exercise for many different reasons such as:
Improving general health
To strengthen areas in your body that feel weak
To stretch and improve your flexibility
To promote better posture
To improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling
To improve your cardiovascular health and fitness
The Well Balanced Centre: how can it help?
If you are looking to start exercising, or want to progress your current exercise program, speak to one of our Physiotherapists to get started. They can help create a well-balanced approach to exercise that fits your needs and helps you stay motivated. Exercise should be something that you enjoy and that fits into your daily routine.
If you are new to exercise or returning after a long break, it is important to start slowly and gradually build up your activity level. This will help reduce the risk of injury and help you stay motivated. If you have any health concerns or conditions that might be affected by exercise, it is important to speak with your doctor or Physiotherapist before starting an exercise program. They can help you create a well-balanced approach to exercise that fits your needs and progresses as you age.
The Well Balanced Centre: A varied approach to exercise
Any type of exercise that gets you moving and your heart pumping is good for you. However, some types of exercise may be more beneficial than others depending on your goals and your level of ability.
Aerobic Exercise:
This type of exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you feel warmer as you breathe more quickly. It is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and can be done by walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
Strength training:
This type of exercise helps to improve your muscle strength. It can be done using bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or free weights and it can be done safely in both standing and sitting positions.
Flexibility and mobility exercises:
These types of exercises help to improve your range of motion and flexibility. Pilates, yoga and stretching are all good examples of activities which can help promote movement.
Balance exercises:
These exercises help to improve your balance and coordination. They can be done by doing simple exercises at home such as standing on one leg or walking heel to toe. It is advisable to follow exercises prescribed by a Physiotherapist to ensure your safety when carrying these out.
The best exercise program is one that includes a variety of different types of exercise and is tailored to your individual needs. Exercise should be progressive, meaning that it becomes more challenging as you get stronger and fitter.
It is important to exercise regularly, so finding an activity that you enjoy and can become part of your regular routine is vital.
Activity and exercise can take many forms:
Go for a walk with your friends or family
Do some gardening
Make a cup of tea
Listen to some music and let your body move to it
Stretch
Engage with friends and family
Get outside more – fresh air and sunlight are good for the soul
Smile more! This makes everything feel better
No matter what type of exercise you choose, it is important to warm up before and cool down after. A good warm-up will help reduce the risk of injury and prepare your body for exercise. It can also help improve your performance. A cool-down is just as important as it helps your body recover from exercise and can prevent stiffness the next day.
Remember, the key to a well-balanced approach to exercise is finding what works for you.
If you are looking for ways to exercise safely and effectively as you age, consider working with a Physiotherapist at The Well Balanced Centre. We can help create an exercise plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. We can also help you find ways to help motivate you and make exercise easier. Contact us today to learn more!
Thank you for reading our blog! We hope it has helped you understand the importance of exercising in a well-balanced way. It is never too late to start!