Exercise – why bother?

Exercise is tremendously important for all of us.
People with lung disease can still exercise.
You are never too old to exercise.
Ideally we should all do at least 5 x 30 minute sessions a week of vigorous exercise i.e. enough to generate a “glow” on your forehead (if you are a lady), “perspiration” (if you are a man) and “sweat” (if you are a horse).
Choose something you enjoy e.g .walking briskly with a friend is fine, and aim to increase it gradually.
If you can only manage to walk 100m, then fine. Walk this distance, rest and “admire the view” and then do another 100m, stopping and starting as your body allows. Gradually build the time / distance up over a few months.
Some people buy pedometers and aim, ideally, for 10,000 steps a day. When you start you may not be able to manage anything like this, but any exercise is better than none. After 2 weeks of regular exercise you should begin to find it easier and it will have become more of a habit.
Most of these activities are either free or very affordable, and the health benefits are worth far more than the financial cost!
Don’t forget, gardening, taking the stairs instead of the lift, hand washing the car, taking the kids or dogs for a brisk stroll, not using transport for a trip to town or doctors…..these all count as exercise if it gets you a bit out of breath and your pulse up.

Walking – getting back into exercise

Walks within Aberdeen City with tea and coffee afterwards.
A great way to socialise and get back into some gentle exercise
Health Walks are short, local, low level walks to suit beginners and those who can’t manage fast or far. There are regular walks happening across the Walk Aberdeen project.
For more information please contact the Health Walks Coordinator on 01224 047928