New Year is often the time when we make a decision to improve our fitness. We all know that exercise plays a key part in living well and longer.
If you have not exercised for a while, don’t jump straight in. Ask yourself if you are generally fit enough to start an exercise programme. It may be worth checking with your GP if you have an underlying health issue – otherwise, start slowly and work up to something more demanding.
There are lots of activities that are mainly tailored to the ‘silver sneakers’. Senior classes and fitness programmes are usually very welcoming and encouraging. They often lead to friendships outside of class – another bonus!
Here are a few ideas for exercise, either alone, or with others:
Go for a walk
Walking is a great way to stay fit as some of our Vale residents already know. They meet up regularly on a Friday morning for a short walk locally. For some greenery and peace, try Streatham Common. There is a self-guided nature walk that takes you round this open space and points out some of the different trees, plants, birds, insects and other wildlife. You can pick up a leaflet at the Rookery Café. Enjoy a coffee or tea there afterwards.
Stretch your mind and body
Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that brings many benefits for physical and mental health. There are specialist yoga classes that focus on the fitness and mobility needs of older men and women. They are designed to provide a route to flexibility and stress relief via a low impact form of exercise.
We host our own yoga classes on a Monday morning but there is a range of options locally. Try https://yogarise.london/streatham-studio or https://www.theshalalondon.com/yoga-classes-streatham.
Take a dance class
You may have read or heard that Queen Camilla is a ballet fan and a ‘Silver Swan’. This is a special initiative for older learners, developed by the Royal Academy of Dance in 2017 and still going strong.
TV presenter, Angela Rippon, who is also a Silver Swan, says: “Ballet is a perfect way to keep your core strong, get your balance right and keep flexible. The great thing about dance is that it is socially engaging, you will have fun with people rather than working on a bicycle or whatever.” For more information on ‘Silver Swans’ visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-classes/become-a-silver-swan/
The Vale runs a weekly seated dance class for residents but there are other dance options locally. Whizz Dance offers dancing for adults at two venues in Streatham: https://www.whizzdance.com or South London Dance Studios in Herne Hill has an adult ballet class for those looking to strengthen their core and posture through learning ballet movements: https://southlondondancestudios.co.uk/adult-dance-classes-enquiry/
Whatever you choose, you will reap the benefits of a healthier, happier and more sociable lifestyle.