Exercise groups: A great way to stay energized and active.
Published: 02/03/2019
You may understand all the benefits of staying active and doing regular exercises but may have struggled to motivate yourself to exercise regularly.
Focused group exercise classes may help you to make exercise sessions a routine. Group exercise sessions are built around supporting and encouraging each other, to participate fully and regularly. Opportunity to meet friends and local community also helps to make it more of an attractive option.
Our Redhill ‘Staying Steady’ group exercise class at a local church has become a popular fitness option. Every Wednesday, the Rendezvous service (service for seniors) is followed by a 45-minute group exercise session. Probably the greatest benefit to organised exercise programs is having a date with a group, a person, or the support network at the church that keeps people committed. In my opinion, the added benefit of group exercise session is the social interaction, which increases participation levels and long-term adherence.
Focused exercise programs for older adults gives them the opportunity to gain the benefits which are specific to their aging body. Low impact cardio workout, strength training, gentle stretches and exercises that safely challenge the balance, help to contribute overall benefits to older adult. In addition being in a social setting with the others of similar age, abilities and physical limitations make the session more enjoyable and friendly. While there might be other group sessions available in health clubs or leisure centres but the presence of younger groups may put a lot of peer pressure and make adherence an issue.
There is a wide choice of 50+ exercise groups in your area. Ask you GP or the health professional for more information.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/activities-for-the-elderly.aspxOsteoarthritis Care- exercise may help.
Stay fit and independent.
Author: Apurva Sharma, Physiotherapist (MCSP)
