Fantastic Fitness-FOR THE FANTASTIC GIRLS OF M.C. -
Most women are less fit and active than they think - a recent survey showed that 72% of women thought they were 'very or fairly active' - while only 4% of women do enough physical activity to actually keep themselves fit.
Being active . . .
is one of the best ways of looking after your heart
relieves stress, anxiety and depression
improves your stamina
builds strength
maintains balance and posture
enhances blood supply to the skin
increases overall suppleness!
The secret factor in any fitness regime is fun - enjoying your precious exercise time by trying new activities. Novelty makes the time fly by while you pick up new skills (balance, flexibility, etc.)!
Besides fun, commit yourself to regular exercise. You'll see results quicker if you do three half-hour sessions every week.
Other benefits include . . .
Helping to keep weight down
Reducing the risk of blood clotting
Lowering blood pressure
Reduces the risk of falls and broken bones
Helps prevent back pain
Keeps skin looking fresh and healthy
Making your 'no smoking' promises easier to keep!
Best of all, exercise lifts your mood and is a great way to make new friends - and you'll feel better almost straight away.
Trends:
Parks & open space fitness frenzy
Try our Burn-o-Meter Calorie Calculator
Parks are Britain's greatest under-used fitness resource. there's no membership fee, they're a great place to meet other fitness fanatics, and during the colder months you're very likely to have the whole park to yourself. Some parks have parcourse trails - ready-made fitness courses with exercise stations, including directions for each exercise.
Try the following for fun, frosty lungfuls ...
Yoga/stretching at dawn, facing east - salute the new day in crisp winter style
Extreme stressbuster: jogging in the rain - imagine your troubles being washed away into the grass
Powerwalk past commuters stuck in traffic
Frisbee isn't just for summer; grab a friend and go!
Fitness for Older Women
Many women find they do less and less exercise or sport as they get older. But this is precisely the time that keeping mobile and fit becomes more vital than ever. If you stay strong and supple into old age you can protect yourself from all sorts of medical problems, from falls and broken bones, to heart disease and lung disease.
Don't imagine that your body isn't up to the challenge of physical activity. Even into your 80's and 90's the body remains remarkably responsive and with time will adapt to do much of what you train it to do.
And its never too late to start. Studies of exercise programmes among people aged 70 and more in California showed that although many could hardly walk at first, within 6 months many were able to jog for a mile without stopping. Many increased their breathing capacity by up to 35%.
Try to walk a couple of miles at least three times a week.
Join a gym. You won't be forced into lycra or made to 'feel the burn.' Most sports centres these days have many older people among their members, and there may be specific programmes for you.
Find a sport or activity you enjoy. This is always the key to keeping active.
If you feel shy or don't know where to start, persuade a friend to share the fun.
Don't rush into it. Talk to your doctor first to check there are no potential problems. They may also have a special arrangement with the local sports centre for older customers.
Make sure instructors are aware of any medical condition you have. It is unlikely that they will stop you getting involved, but will be able to advise on specific problems or risks.
Most women are less fit and active than they think - a recent survey showed that 72% of women thought they were 'very or fairly active' - while only 4% of women do enough physical activity to actually keep themselves fit.
Being active . . .
is one of the best ways of looking after your heart
relieves stress, anxiety and depression
improves your stamina
builds strength
maintains balance and posture
enhances blood supply to the skin
increases overall suppleness!
The secret factor in any fitness regime is fun - enjoying your precious exercise time by trying new activities. Novelty makes the time fly by while you pick up new skills (balance, flexibility, etc.)!
Besides fun, commit yourself to regular exercise. You'll see results quicker if you do three half-hour sessions every week.
Other benefits include . . .
Helping to keep weight down
Reducing the risk of blood clotting
Lowering blood pressure
Reduces the risk of falls and broken bones
Helps prevent back pain
Keeps skin looking fresh and healthy
Making your 'no smoking' promises easier to keep!
Best of all, exercise lifts your mood and is a great way to make new friends - and you'll feel better almost straight away.
Trends:
Parks & open space fitness frenzy
Try our Burn-o-Meter Calorie Calculator
Parks are Britain's greatest under-used fitness resource. there's no membership fee, they're a great place to meet other fitness fanatics, and during the colder months you're very likely to have the whole park to yourself. Some parks have parcourse trails - ready-made fitness courses with exercise stations, including directions for each exercise.
Try the following for fun, frosty lungfuls ...
Yoga/stretching at dawn, facing east - salute the new day in crisp winter style
Extreme stressbuster: jogging in the rain - imagine your troubles being washed away into the grass
Powerwalk past commuters stuck in traffic
Frisbee isn't just for summer; grab a friend and go!
Fitness for Older Women
Many women find they do less and less exercise or sport as they get older. But this is precisely the time that keeping mobile and fit becomes more vital than ever. If you stay strong and supple into old age you can protect yourself from all sorts of medical problems, from falls and broken bones, to heart disease and lung disease.
Don't imagine that your body isn't up to the challenge of physical activity. Even into your 80's and 90's the body remains remarkably responsive and with time will adapt to do much of what you train it to do.
And its never too late to start. Studies of exercise programmes among people aged 70 and more in California showed that although many could hardly walk at first, within 6 months many were able to jog for a mile without stopping. Many increased their breathing capacity by up to 35%.
Try to walk a couple of miles at least three times a week.
Join a gym. You won't be forced into lycra or made to 'feel the burn.' Most sports centres these days have many older people among their members, and there may be specific programmes for you.
Find a sport or activity you enjoy. This is always the key to keeping active.
If you feel shy or don't know where to start, persuade a friend to share the fun.
Don't rush into it. Talk to your doctor first to check there are no potential problems. They may also have a special arrangement with the local sports centre for older customers.
Make sure instructors are aware of any medical condition you have. It is unlikely that they will stop you getting involved, but will be able to advise on specific problems or risks.
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