Exercise is vital throughout our life. We are designed to exercise and the fitness and longevity of our bodies depend on it. Our physiotherapists can help design specific programs for individuals following an extensive assessment of their needs.
Exercise will assist in keeping you independent for longer. It also helps control medical problems and weight issues.We are living longer and being able to do that well increases with gentle regular exercise. Exercise assists in preventing some medical problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and some cancers. And fitness reduces the lifestyle-limiting effects of osteoporosis and arthritis. So in essence regular exercise will assist in keeping you healthy, happy and independent. Stronger arms and legs and better balance – all the result of fitness – help you carry grocery bags, get out of a bathtub or car and avoid falls. Being fit improves the quality of your life. About 70 % of older adults are inactive. This is despite research showing that older people even those who have never exercised can benefit from physical conditioning. Men typically lose about 10% of their muscle mass each decade after age 65. Women lose less than this but women lose about 35 to 50% of bone mineral content by age 90. Exercise slows the loss of bone and increases the size and strength of your muscles including your heart. It also helps prevent loss of aerobic capacity, which is a measure of the ability of your heart, lungs and blood vessels to deliver adequate oxygen to muscles during physical activity.
Research shows that vigorous exercise isn’t necessary. The exercise can be moderate as long as done on a regular basis. There are some health benefits of walking up stairs, carrying out the rubbish, gardening, cleaning, shopping, vacuuming, making the bed, getting on and off the floor and mowing the lawn. Ideally, you should plan on 30 – 60 minutes of specific exercise 3 times a week. Attending supervised gym programs are great to encourage motivation and reduce the boredom of exercise.
By not exercising our bodies inevitably start to break down. Our Clinic offers Clinical Pilates, Strength classes, and Hydrotherapy in our onsite pool and gym. We can also design individual home programs for those wanting to exercise at home.
