Staying active is good for everyone because of the many health benefits. People who are not active have a higher risk of health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure. Even if you are elderly, have mobility problems or a disability it is important to be as active as possible.
The benefits are clear, as being active means you have more energy and strength to do things by yourself and you can have control over what you do. It has also been shown that an active lifestyle can improve mental health, as it makes you feel better about yourself and gets you out with other people.
Adjusting your activities
If you can’t do a certain activity, there is a chance it can be adjusted so you can. For example, many sports have a wheelchair alternative. If you are using a wheelchair or all terrain mobility scooters there is still a lot you can do, such as water fitness, yoga or t‘ai chi, rowing and much more.
Healthy heart activities
To help keep your heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles healthy, try stationary bikes or rowing machines and go at any pace you are comfortable with. Try swimming or water fitness. The water buoyancy will help if you are not as mobile as others. And if you want to keep your exercising private, simply try a home workout or aerobics video.
Take your time
First of all, you need to consult your doctor about which activities are best to do, as some can be harder than others. Always start slow, just 10 minutes at a time and build on it slowly. It is important that you take your exercising and activities at a pace you are comfortable as overdoing it can be more damage.
Strength activities
These are the activities that will challenge muscles by pulling, pushing or holding muscle contractions. Strength training will keep your muscles and bones strong and helps you to keep your balance. These types of activities include free weight exercises, either standing or sitting and resistance training on machines you sit on or in a swimming pool. Get some tips from an exercise professional before starting.
Flexibility activities
These flexibility activities will help you move your joints and muscles a lot easier and can help with simple activities like bending down to tie your shoes, brushing your hair, getting up and down from the floor or a chair and getting in and out of the bathtub. Do stretching exercises slowly and smoothly, not jerking. T’ai chi and yoga can help improve flexibility, and these can be done standing or sitting down.
Stay active
Most activities like those mentioned above can be adjusted for any ability or fitness level. Stay active as part of your daily routine – as much as popping to the shops! It’s good for physical and mental health and go for the activities which are right for you!
Image by Tim Ross
