Never under-estimate the importance of exercise
Studies have shown that doing a half hour of exercise per day can add years to your life, make you feel better and prevent many illnesses and complications.
It doesn’t have to cost anything
Exercise can be free, walking doesn’t cost a penny, and there are lots of other ways to exercise in or out of your home which don’t cost anything. Have you seen the Outdoor Gym in Elder park? An excellent way to access exercise machines without paying for it.
Outdoor Gym Walk in the park Cycle to work
There are FREE outdoor gym sessions happening at Bellahouston, Elderpark and Househillwood this summer. They are open to anyone 12+.
These are drop in sessions, the qualified instructor will be on site so just pop along – no need to book.
Community groups are more than welcome to attend these sessions but it would be helpful for the instructor to know beforehand so please email [email protected] if you intend to go along.
If you can’t walk very far because of ill health, you can do exercises in your chair. Check out the website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/sitting-exercises-for-older-people.aspx
For all different kinds of exercises to suit your ability check out:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx
Help available
Ask your GP or Practice Nurse to refer you to the GP exercise scheme to get a reduced rate at the Gym.
Make it fun
Join a walking group, or any kind of group which involves an activity such as bowling, dancing, yoga, thai chi, anything to keep you moving is good for you!
Check out whats in your local area:
Just type in, for example “Govan”, and “Badminton” or whatever activity you are looking for, and it will find some local groups for you.
Ten reasons to exercise
- Because it makes you feel confident
- Because it helps you get stronger
- Because exercise helps combat depression
- Because you’ll feel proud of yourself
- Because you have goals you want to reach
- Because you’ll feel bad if you don’t
- Because you want to move forward, not backward
- Because it burns more calories than not doing exercise
- Because it improves your heart’s health
- Because exercise releases endorphins (the body’s own natural pain killing substances) which make you feel good
Check out these website for help and advice:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/strength-and-flexibility/Pages/strength-and-flexibillity-podcasts.aspx
