Exercise!!!

Exercise can evoke all sorts of reactions, especially in mid-life and beyond, but the simple truth is that we can’t afford not to exercise! Our bodies are designed to move and not sit at a desk all day. As a child and teenager, I hated exercise. Partly this was because it involved standing on a hockey pitch in the winter in the freezing Cumbrian rain and feeling thoroughly miserable. The other part was really I just didn’t enjoy hockey.

So, exercise like weight maintenance needs to be sustainable, but also enjoyable and more importantly something to look forward to. I love walking - it is by far my favourite exercise. Even when it is cold, I love the fresh air on my face and the absolute breathtaking scenery which you can’t always discover by car. Additionally, another inexpensive exercise strategy that has a significant positive effect on our health is strength training. It keeps us independent and functional as we age, preserves bone and muscular strength, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. I try and lift weights for about 20-25 minutes, three times a week. This is relatively inexpensive; you can buy weights quite cheaply online or at a sports shop, or just grab a couple of cans of baked beans but start off slowly and then build up if you are not used to lifting weights. I felt relatively smug as I lifted my ridiculously heavy suitcase (I always pack far more than I need) on my own when Mike and I went to Italy earlier this year!

Lastly the importance of strengthening our core muscles is so important as we reach our midlife years and beyond. Practising Pilates or Yoga on a regular basis improves our posture, flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness. I attend a weekly Pilates class, but there are several very good online Pilates / Yoga routines on “You Tube” free of charge. My issue is I don’t have the self discipline to do these routines at home.  However I do if I am paying to go to a class! I also like the camaraderie in the class I attend, as we all groan and ridicule ourselves to get through the hour!

Ask yourself – how do I want to feel in 10 years time? If you have ageing parents as I do, I know the worth of incorporating exercise into our lives now, so to invest in our future. End of.