Why should I exercise?
Being active throughout life is vital to good health so if you are currently active keep going! If you are currently inactive then it is never too late to start.
Exercise is great for your body and your mind. It is a great way to meet new people, get to know your family and friend’s better and keep them healthy at the same time and to get out and enjoy life.
Physical activity can reduce the severity of
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
Physical activity can improve
- Sleep
- The management of chronic, disabling conditions
- Immune function
- Balance and muscle strength (decreasing falls)
- Energy levels
- Fitness levels
- Mental health (exercise releases endorphins which create feelings of well being)
And these are just to list a few.
Plus, exercise to
- Promote positive health and prevent illness
- Have the pleasure of doing something for oneself
- Have a purpose for an activity eg. fetching the paper
- Enjoy positive environments in which to exercise eg park, beautiful weather
- Avoiding the negative stereotyping of having a disability
Some examples of popular activities among peers that you may be interested in trying include:
Individual activities, for example
- Fishing
- Walking/wheeling (take your dog for a walk)
- Bike riding
- Gardening
- Kayaking
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Water walking
- Joining the gym
- Weight training-weights at home
- Exercise programs-Tai Chi
A large percent of the population like exercising with friends. Research has shown exercising in groups increases the chance of maintaining physical activity and improves mental health.
You may wish to contact your local Council to see what recreation and social services are also available within your area.
Tips
- Do exercises you like
- Don’t forget to stretch before and after exercise
- Make exercise a permanent habit- enthusiasm needs to last a lifetime
- Changes don't happen over night but they do over time
- Vary your exercise
- Exercise with friends
- Drink lots of water
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