Things You Can Do Indoors
There are many things you can do indoors to become fitter and it won't matter what the weather is doing.
Television Circuits: Create a circuit of 5 or 6 exercises that work different body areas, with say, 10-20 repetitions of each and do them in front of your favourite music videos/channel. Then repeat each circuit 3 or 4 times. As you get fitter you will be able to increase the number of repetitions and sets. By doing this when you may otherwise be watching television you are making your exercise routine part of your day. It should only take 10 to 15 minutes a day. If you do this 5 days a week you will be well on your way to becoming more toned and fit without missing your favourite programmes.
Resistance or strength training is the absolute best type of exercise to helpyou tone, tighten and reshape your body. The extra muscle gained while strength training also acts a metabolism booster, raising your basal metabolic rate, or the amount of calories needed to just exist.
Cardiovascular is a separate issue, and can also be used to improve overall health and help eliminate fat. As an option, a sensible cardio program can be combined with your ten minutes of toning exercises.
Evening Classes: Why not take up a hobby you always wanted to try and improve your health in the process! Your local schools and colleges will be able to give you advice on what evening classes are available in your area. This could become the cornerstone of your fitness programme. Think of the level of fitness you will achieve in a fun environment while learning ballroom dancing, salsa, yoga, and many other courses now available at a venue near you.
Home Alone: With the exception of blizzards and raging gales, nobody can really blame the Irish weather for lack of exercise. But even if you do stay indoors, there's still plenty to do, even without telly. There are dozens of health and fitness magazines on the market and even more books written about getting fit. Buy or borrow one, clear a space and flick to the exercise pages. You'll find a fitness regime right there on paper to suit you. Choose exercises, which don't require any equipment – a chair can be used for balance, a ball for resistance or a step for stepping. If small weights are required, open your kitchen cupboard and pull down a can of baked beans or something heavier for each hand. Also, try the multitude of fitness sites available for free information online.
Go for Life -Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The Go for Life team at Age and Opportunity administer the programme, working in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). There are two Go for Life programmes:
- Sports Participation Programme aims to increase participation rates in sport by older people. Leaders are trained locally through the LSP network, and they in turn promote participation in sport among older people in their communities.
- Physical Activity Leaders (PAL) organise physical activities for older adults, and are often older people themselves belonging to a local group that includes older people among its members. To become a PAL, you must attend a series of eight workshops, organised locally by the HSE and LSP over a set number of weeks in a specific area, and these workshops enable you to plan and lead health enhancing physical activity sessions for older people.
For more information on any of the Go for Life programmes, feel free to contact Go for Life on 01 8057732, by email or visit their website.