As we get older it’s easy to become a bit complacent when it comes to exercise but this could be detrimental to both our physical and mental well being. There have been many recent studies showing just how we can help improve our cognitive health and heart health, possibly delaying or even preventing dementia and helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. In fact the results from a recent Swedish study actually suggested that a woman is 5 times less likely to get dementia if she continues to exercise and keep fit.

Improved cognitive function in the over 50's
Another recent study by British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that  “Physical exercise improved cognitive function in the over 50's, regardless of the cognitive status of participants. To improve cognitive function, this meta-analysis provides clinicians with evidence to recommend that patients obtain both aerobic and resistance exercise of at least moderate intensity on as many days of the week as feasible, in line with current exercise guidelines.”

Science Direct recently conducted a study specifically targeting women over 50, recommended that as well as aiming for 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise 3 days a week “women may benefit from participating in group-based fitness classes…” The social aspect of any fitness class is a great motivator and you are much more likely to continue to exercise in the long term.

What are the benefits of regular exercise?
To have any positive effect, exercise needs to be regular and raise your heart rate. It’s well known that exercise gives us a natural high as it releases dopamine (a chemical that may actually decline as we age) so we feel great after a workout. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious then a bit of exercise can be a great tonic.
If you go to an exercise class you have the added benefit of meeting up with like minded people, motivating each other to continue to work out and making new friends in the process.

It’s also believed that cardiovascular exercise can help improve the look and feel of your skin, who doesn’t want to feel and look a few years younger?!
Regular physical activity can also help reduce the risk of heart failure in post menopausal women. Women in this age group are at a higher risk of heart failure, possibly due to the decline of eostrogen, so it’s vital that we take make sure we’re doing all we can to keep our hearts healthy.

Look and feel amazing...
As a number of studies have shown, regular exercise can also help reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. As we age our cognitive health can decline but if we keep healthy and ensure we undertake moderate physical activity, including resistance training, as often as we can.

There are so many known benefits to continuing or maybe even starting to exercise as we age. As more studies are conducted we will probably learn of even more reasons we should be looking after our overall health by exercising. So, if you want to help yourself to look and feel amazing you just need to find your trainers and get moving!

​On the 28th September 2018 Smart Fitt are hosting a coffee morning at The Centre at Elsea Park in Bourne, to help raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. The morning will start with 30 minutes of gentle chair aerobics followed by coffee or tea and plenty of cakes!
 
Macmillan Cancer Support offer help, advice and vital information for cancer patients. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is devastating for the patient and their families and friends, Macmillan Cancer Support can help make sure that the patient has access to all the support available to help them continue to live life as fully as they can.
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​The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is a huge fundraising event taking place across the country on the 28th September. Funds raised will help ensure Macmillan Cancer Support can continue to offer these vital resources to people living with cancer.
 
We hope you can join us for some light exercise and delicious cakes. The entry price is £5 per person, everyone is welcome and you don’t need to have attended any of our classes before. Please tell your family and friends and contact Amanda to book your chair!
 
We would also appreciate cake donations to help us raise as much money as possible.

• When: 28th September 2018, 10:30am-12:00pm
• Where: The Centre at Elsea Park, Bourne, PE10 0US
• Contact: Amanda 07535788756, email: [email protected]

 
Like the idea of gentle chair aerobics? Have you tried our Prime Time class?
Prime Time is an exercise class specifically designed for people who might find traditional exercise classes more difficult due to reduced mobility associated with older age. A class typically sees the participant perform a series of moves while remaining seated, helping to keep the joints supple and raise the heart rate. Classes are fun and engaging and a great way to meet like minded people. Watch our video to see what a class is like!

A recent study has found that people who are unwell benefit greatly from dance and art lessons, there are even calls for them to become available on prescription!
As we age we become more at risk of falls but keeping active and partaking in activities such as dance and keep fit can actually help reduce the risk of falls. Dance has been found to help mobility, gait and balance. Couple this with the social aspect of a group class and you can see why the NHS are taking Dance to Health so seriously. “Dance to Health is a new, nationwide pioneering falls prevention dance programme for older people. Combining evidence based physiotherapy with the creativity and energy of dance.”

Dance for Health Project
The Dance for Health Project is a study of the health benefits of people who are unwell and has recommended the health board formalise its use. Watch this falls prevention class in Gorseinon, Swansea it is part of a Dance for Health Project run by the National Dance Company for Wales.

Prime Time Club at Smart Fitt
The good news is that here at Smart Fitt Fitness we already run Prime Time Club which is a great way of keeping fit, improving balance and mobility and meeting new, like minded individuals. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy exercising and here at the Prime Time Club everyone is welcome to join in at their own pace.

Various props are available to really get the most out of the class. Classes are simple and fun and suitable for everyone. Classes are 45 minutes long and you can relax and have a hot drink and a chat at the end. Prime Time Gold is a seated class while Prime Time Active are walking aerobics classes so you’re bound to find a class that meets your needs.

Benefits of Prime Time Clubs:

• Increased mobility
• Coordination exercises
• Using both sides of the brain at the same time has been shown to help with brain function.
• Social interaction with others, many seniors live alone.
• Co-operation - team activities encourage verbal participation and co-operation within the group.

Keeping muscles active helps:

• Keep the body functioning properly for longer,
• Stronger core muscles help to prevent lower back problems, stability and balance (fewer falls).
• Flexible muscles that are regularly stretched means that if the person does fall less damage is likely.​

(Gill 62, Prime Time Club, Stamford)

You are never too old to start exercising! Prime Time Club is a great way to increase your mobility, improve your flexibility and co-ordination and meet new people. Make coming to a class part of your routine and start to see the benefits of regular, fun exercise!