Get moving to live better

Exercise is an essential part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. It’s good for both the body and mind, reduces the risk of developing chronic illnesses (or helps to manage them), relieves stress, and quite simply, makes you feel good!

As we get older, keeping active helps us to get more from life and stay independent for longer. So, if you’re thinking of getting moving, here are our top tips to get you started…

1. Find an activity you enjoy

New behaviours are more likely to stick if you enjoy what you’re doing. Spend some time thinking about what type of activity or exercise would work for you, whether it’s simply doing more steps each day or taking part in a new yoga or aerobics class.

2. Improve your strength, balance, and co-ordination

Any exercise that helps to improve your muscle strength, balance, co-ordination, and flexibility is key to staying mobile and independent in later life. It can make everyday things in life much easier, from opening a jar to picking something up off the floor.

NHS advice suggests that older adults do these types of activities at least twice a week. This includes carrying heavy shopping, using free weights, or doing gardening to improve strength, and doing yoga, dancing, Pilates or stretching to improve balance and co-ordination.

3. Anything is better than nothing

If you haven’t exercised for a while, starting a new fitness regime can be daunting. The good news is that doing any form of activity is better than nothing so simply trying to be a little more active each day is a great start.

If you’re wondering how much exercise you should do, the NHS advises that older adults should do some type of physical activity every day. Any type of activity is good for you and the more you do, the better.

Live better with Brio

The health and happiness of our residents is at the very heart of every Brio community. At the centre of every one of our communities is a hub where you can take part in a wide range of events and activities to keep you active, including a choice of fitness and wellbeing classes, such as yoga and Pilates.

Plus, with outdoor exercise trails, fitness and wellness suites*, beautiful green space on your doorstep and on-site personal trainers who can give tailored one-on-one exercise if required, you’ll have access to the best facilities, with all the support and encouragement you could need.