“Age UK in conjunction with Bannatynes, David Lloyd Leisure Ltd, LA fitness and Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre’s (including Greens Health and Fitness) present Age UK’s Gym Open Day on 10 July 2012.
Go along to your local participating gym to gain free access for the day. Attend a class, take a dip in the pool or take a tour and learn more about the benefits of physical activity.”
For more information please click here – Age UK
50 and older is a great time to start a daily exercise routine. The immediate benefits of exercise include relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, and enhanced mood.
Long-term benefits include
- weight loss
- increased strength
- balance increases
- improved mental health
- motor control benefits
The Chief Medical Officer’s current recommendation is that 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise be taken at least 5 times a week.
Supervised exercise can help people suffering from asthma, osteoporosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypertension and stable angina to name just a few age-related conditions.
For more information why you should exercise have a read of the Importance of exercise as we age and Why it’s never too late to pick up a weight.
Helen
Having worked in IT in London for 15 years I was made redundant in 2009. I had trained as a gym instructor whilst working and decided I would rather spend the rest of my career doing something I loved than look for another job in IT. I furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Advanced Personal Training from the highly regarded Premier Training. Many personal trainers are generalists covering all areas of fitness but I took the decision to specialise in the over-50s and therefore went on to do a CYQ Award in Functional Training for the Independent Older Adult Level 3. My focus is on overall health rather than fitness. I believe that making small changes can have a long term positive effect on health and well-being.
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This is a very positive step forward … I wonder if these gyms can offer lower membership rates – I’m sure this would encourage more and more people to join a gym. c£50 per month is out of the reach of many people’s pockets. Taster days are good but I think it has to go further by making memberhship more affordable.
on July 3, 2012 at 8:11 am ChrisTo be fair the local leisure centres are usually cheaper, I think I pay in the region of £37 a month for an off peak membership (which includes pool/gym/classes). In addition they often have discounts for OAPS. There is also the GP referral scheme. It’s just getting that information out there.
on July 3, 2012 at 11:37 am HelenThank you for commenting.
I think it’s a question of shopping around. I’m also looking into joining a gym in my area and prices do vary quite a bit.
on July 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm Deborah Mason