Age is only a Number - Move It, Feel Young!

Did you know that regular exercise not only boosts your health but also your mood? Being 21 again need not be a distant memory if you can feel like it. Engaging in regular exercises can do just that!

Exercise does not need to be boring and repetitive. Oftentimes, many people think that exercising means you have to go jogging or brisk walking daily. In fact, it is important to do a variety of exercises. Not only can it make exercise interesting, it can also help with your health! This is because different exercises target different parts of your body and levels of fitness. As we age, our body goes through many physiological changes such as an increased fat mass, a loss of muscle mass and reduced bone strength. This impacts our balance, mobility, and in extreme cases, our ability to remain independent. It is thus important to adopt a well-rounded exercise routine, so that we can continue to do the things we love.

What are the type of exercises we should do?

Exercises can be broadly classified into 3 domains based on their benefits:

  • Improve your heart health and circulation

    • These exercises can help us maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it can help with controlling our chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. If you have a chronic condition, make sure you check with your doctor before starting any exercise programme.

    Exercises include: Zumba Gold, Bokwa, Brisk Walking.

  • Strengthen your muscles and joints

    • These exercise help us grow stronger, so that we can carry our groceries and grandchildren with ease. More importantly, they help in getting rid of those pesky joint pains and stiffness.

    Try the 7 Easy Exercises! Like its name, it consists of 7 easy exercises you can do in the comfort of your home. 

     

     

    Alternative exercises: Resistance band exercises, 7 Sit Down Exercises

  • Keep your mind and body healthy

    • These exercises help us balance better, so as to reduce our risk of falls. In addition, these exercises increase our flexibility, so that we can easily reach for things on a shelf or bend when putting on our shoes. Doing such exercises can also calm our mind and help us de-stress

    Exercises include: Taichi, Health Qigong and Yoga.

    Remember, aim to do at least 150 – 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly. Adults, aged 50 and above, should aim to do a mix of physical activity, especially strength, balance and flexibility exercises at least 3 days a week.

     

Exercise regularly and exercise smart! Move it, Feel Young!

 

Exercise does not need to be boring. Variety is key. Reap the benefits by doing a variety of exercises, those that get your heart pumping as well as those which help you build your strength and balance. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start with walking and as you feel yourself getting fitter, try out the many exercise programmes available in the community. Take the challenge today and in no time, you’ll feel that Move It, Feel Young joy.

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