Article by Fab after Fifty
We all know the importance of getting and keeping fit – especially if we want to live a long and healthy life – with so many of us likely to live in to our 90s we need to act now if we want to have quality of life later.
Getting fit does not mean having to join a gym – there are plenty of fun ways to get fitter – and socialise at the same time. Here are just 10 that spring to mind – but feel free to add more options to the list!
1. Dance
Whether you play your favourite tracks at home and just start moving or join a class .
2. Hula Hoop
Bring back childhood memories and get fit at the same time. The Hoops used in fitness aren’t as large and unruly as those we played with in the school playground – a great way to whittle waists! More info on the benefits of exercise with a hula hoop
3. Zumba
High energy and lots of fun! Great for cardio and improving your co-ordination. Ian Waite from Strictly talks about the benefits of Zumba to help tone our midlife bodies.
4. Nordic walking
A good way to get a better workout from walking – sociable and helps banish the bingo wings – a win-win! We explore the benefits of Nordic Walking
5. Belly dancing
Join with friends to exercise and laugh. A fun way to get moving.
6. Swimming
A total body workout. Try adding a board and short fins to work your legs harder. Who better to ask about the best way to get back into the water than Duncan Goodhew who gives his top tips on swimming for fitness
7. Hiking/Rambling
Again a sociable way to exercise, see the countryside and get fresh air. There are groups up and down the UK – check to make sure you are comfortable with distance covered in your early rambles!
8. Walking Tour
If you are more of a city person, look for walking tours of the city, or a theme based walking tour of the city such as history or following the favourite places of a particular writer.,
9. Tennis
Many clubs encourage those with ‘rusty rackets’ to return to the game. Join a returners or beginners group and branch out to playing doubles. Tennis can be an incredibly sociable sport. Tips for getting back to tennis
10. Running
There are numerous ladies only running clubs – take inspiration from the Goalden Girls – 27 non-runners who answered and advertisement and trained together to run their first marathon!
If you are apprehensive about trying out a new fitness activity on your own, why not get together with a group of friends and each choose a sport you would each like to try. Have at least one person from the group go along to each person’s chosen activity at least twice for moral support. You may even get to enjoy an activity you would otherwise never have considered trying.
Image credit: Freedigitalphotos
Doris Russell
Thanks. I think I’ll try dancing.