What is the ‘ideal’ exercise programme?

What should a programme be?
A good exercise programme should be first and foremost FUN.
This can mean numerous things; exercising with a friend, time to yourself, challenging exercise, not so challenging, being outside, etc, etc.
The most important thing is knowing what you enjoy then you’ll continue with it. The best exercise is the exercise that gets done!
The second most important ingredient is variety.
Ideally your exercise programme should contain elements of cardiovascular exercise (anything that gets the heart and lungs working a little harder) and strength work.
Cardio?
As far as cardiovascular exercise is concerned, I’m a big advocate of doing it outside.
Also as stated above make it enjoyable; walking or cycling with friends, swimming, etc. Ideally you get outside once a day and if you have a fancy watch that measures your steps, set yourself and your friends a target and encourage each other to achieve it.
If you need the promise of a cup of coffee in the local cafe that is fine too.
Strength?
As we get older the amount of muscle we have slowly decreases, so it’s important for us to maintain it.
A good strength programme will...
- assist in preserving a good range of movement of all your joints
- challenge your balance so as to maintain your confidence in your physical ability
- as well as maintaining and possibly increasing your strength
And who doesn’t like the feeling of being strong?!
So when planning a strength programme think of big movements like the sit to stand and the squat and press, the balance work and core stability.
A Final thought
Please stay away from the latest gadget or diet that’s promising quick results!
Keep it simple and have lots of fun.
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