What should I be doing?
Ideally, you should look to vary the activities you do as there are different benefits connected to different forms of exercise.
Reducing cardiovascular risk
Improving the health of your heart and circulation whilst also burning calories helps maintain a healthy weight. Good examples include:
Moderate intensity physical activities:
- Brisk walking
- Ballroom dancing
Vigorous intensity physical activities:
- Climbing stairs
- Running
Maintaining physical strength
It's important to strengthen your bones and muscles to give you better posture and balance. Strength training, and activity which improves endurance and balance, are particularly valuable in maintaining independent living.
Physical activities that strengthen muscles involve using body weight or working against a resistance. This should involve using all the major muscle groups, such as:
- Carrying or moving heavy loads such as groceries
- Activities that involve stepping and jumping such as dancing
- Chair aerobics
Improving balance and co-ordination
Tai Chi and Yoga combine varied elements of exercise including aerobic, strength training, core stability, flexibility and balance which can help improve limberness, faster reflex reaction times in the muscles, lower-body strength, stance stability and suppleness in the knee joints.
People practising these activities have also experienced better quality of sleep, memory recall, self-esteem and increased energy levels.
Take a look at our Activity Index to explore sessions happening in your area.
