exercise is so important as we mature

As some people grow older they have a tendency to shy away from exercise for risk of hurting themselves.
The truth is actually the reverse, older adults hurt themselves more by NOT exercising, than from exercising.

As we mature we tend to mainly loose Strength, flexibility and balance and an inactive lifestyle does nothing to help combat this natural degeneration.
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To stay strong and stable we must physically get up on our feet and get moving, only this will help prevent falls, keep us physically mobile and reduce risk of other diseases and disabilities, including dementia.

What changes occur in our bodies as we age?

Well many physiological changes take place in our bodies as we get older, bone density decreases, particularly in those aged over 65, this increasing the chance of osteoporosis, joints degenerate, muscular strength decreases and our gait becomes lazy – this is the main cause of injury in the older population.

So what should we do to combat these things?

Remember exercise only has to be light to moderate to really have a positive effect on the body and to start reversing some of the effects of ageing, if you currently do nothing it may start with a simple daily walk.

If you are looking to increase your bone density there does have to be some form of resistance training involved, this could include using hand weights, or tins out of your cupboards, resistance bands as a form of overloading muscles to build strength and prevent bone degeneration.

If we consider training for Osteoporosis, there are a few more things that should be taken into consideration, such as the benefit of strengthening the hip through all ranges of motion (flexion, Extension, adduction, abduction). Also the benefits of spinal extension !

Pilates and Yoga does wonders for our bodies, it help us to build strength, increase mobility and improve our balance which helps us to carry out daily tasks with much more ease.

​Join a class today, click on the link below. 

Emma Louise McGlen

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