September is a popular time to turn over a new leaf and make a fresh start at healthy living.
Becoming physically fit or maintaining fitness are great goals for people at any age but even more important for older adults. Regular exercise is particularly important for those of us who are over age 55. We need to exercise more as we age, not less. Group fitness activities can help you achieve your fitness goals.
The gentle yoga class I lead can be a good addition to your personal fitness program. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls.
I offer a chair-assisted yoga class each Tuesday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.n., at Calvary United Church, 114 25th St. E. Admission is by donation. It’s a drop-in class, so you can attend when your schedule and energy levels permit. No previous yoga experience is required to attend. You don’t need a yoga mat because we don’t get down onto the floor; all of the exercises are done either seated or standing beside a chair. Participants are encouraged to work at their level of ability; many of us are dealing with arthritis or “a bum shoulder” for example.
Canadian fitness guidelines suggest we get 150 minutes of moderate- intensity aerobic activity each week plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Walking and swimming are excellent aerobic activities. The stretching and strengthening you will experience in yoga can pair well with the aerobic portion of your exercise plan.
If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. I’m not a physiotherapist or a personal trainer, so I can’t prescribe specific exercises for you. But I can offer you an hour of fun that will ramp up your metabolism and help you to feel better about yourself.
