Exercise is the way ahead

May 22 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

KEEPING fit pays off – whatever your age.

Exercising regularly ensures your mobility remains good and makes you feel great too.

You can keep fit by going to the gym, taking aerobics, martial arts, or even boxercise classes.

For slightly gentler, but nonetheless effective, forms of exercise you might like to take up swimming, or bicycling, play a game of tennis, football, netball, cricket, or golf.

Taking up Yoga or dancing is good too.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day.

Whatever you choose to do ensure you always warm up before any exercise by stretching your muscles gently and jogging on the spot for a couple of minutes (if you’re fit enough to do so).

Cooling down after any major form of exercise is important too and that can be achieved by doing another series of gentle exercises that stretch your muscles.

Doing housework burns off calories too as does climbing the stairs which strengthens your leg muscles and gets your heart rate up.

You can even use one of your stairs as a step-up.

Most of us need encouragement to go to the gym and regularly exercise but it’s there you’ll find the best professional help, with people who really know their stuff and have studied for a long time to be able to advise you properly and safely.

Your instructor will give you the advice you need to benefit you as an individual.

Most gyms will ensure that you have regular reviews to check you are still getting benefits from your original exercise régime.

When you do exercise it’s important you are comfortable.

Wear loose clothing such as a t-shirt, shorts or a tracksuit.

The clothes don’t have to be expensive but it pays to invest in the right footwear for your chosen activity.