5 Great Reasons to Fall in Love with Exercise

February is often referred to as the month of love, where we show how much we care for our significant others. But this Valentines why not show yourself some love by investing in your long term health and fitness?

We’ve put together some of our top 5 reasons you should concentrate on building a life-long relationship with looking after your body and appreciate the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

It’s never too late to make positive changes to your exercise routine- your body will thank you for it!

Protect your Future Mobility
As we age hormonal changes and the loss of muscle mass can lead to reduced mobility but one of the biggest reasons for mobility issues as we age is simply down to not staying active. Recent research found improvements in mobility and muscle mass in older adults who took part in an exercise programme and followed a personalised diet over 3 years.

It really is true that if you don’t use it you will lose it- just a daily walk and some simple strength exercises will make a huge difference. Or you could try a Move It Or Lose It class- great for everyone of all ages and ability with the emphasis and active ageing at its heart.

Have More Energy
If you struggle to do everyday tasks like shopping or a bit of housework then you might argue that you haven’t got the energy to do any exercise. But exercise actually increases your energy by building up muscle strength and improving your heart and lung health so you’re able to complete those everyday tasks much more easily.

Look After Your Mental Health
When we are experiencing feelings of sadness or low mood, getting outside for some fresh air and exercise can really help lift our spirits. Regular exercise such as walking, fitness classes or swimming all help. The NHS also recommends exercise for those who suffer from mild to moderate depression as it helps to clear your mind as well as giving you more energy. Do contact your doctor for more help and advice if you think you may be depressed.
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Exercise can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease which in turn will help reduce your risk of dementia, plus older adults who do not exercise are much more likely to have memory problems (cognitive ability).

Get a good Night's Sleep
A good night's sleep is fundamental to our well being and exercise has been shown to help lessen sleep problems and ensure a full night's rest. Regular exercise will have the biggest positive impact on your sleep and while 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended for the best results, it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you enjoy it (as you’re more likely to stick at it).

Increase Your Social Circle
Whether you prefer exercising in a group like a fitness class or you prefer going for walks in the countryside with a friend, exercising is a great way to meet like minded people and form strong friendships. Exercising with friends helps ensure you stick with it and it’s a great way to build up a support network.

No matter what type of exercise you prefer to do, the most important thing is that you do it regularly and with a smile on your face. So grab your trainers, walking boots or swim suit and get out there and make some positive changes in your life.

Please contact Amanda for more information on the range of fitness classes available.