16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WELL-BEING It’s never too late to get in shape! Never write yourself off as being ‘too old.’ There are no age limits when it comes to self-improvement. You can still get fitter, slim down, tone up and learn something new. So often as parents we put ourselves second, and while we take our little ones to their various classes to ensure they stay fit, strong and healthy, we often end up in bad shape ourselves. As years roll on and tiredness increases along with aches and pains, we question if we even have it in us to improve. The exciting news is that its never to late to get in shape! You may not be as strong, flexible or fit as you once were, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve. All you need to remember when beginning something new later in life is a few simple rules: • Talk to the class instructor about your health and well being honestly, so they can support you at your level and meet your needs. • Ease yourself into new things gently. Give your body time to adjust. • Space out your training days to allow your body to properly recover between exercising. • Listen to your body, and communicate any problems to your instructor who can tailor your exercise. • Be open to having fun and enjoying the challenge. What’s out there for adults? Many people are bored or feel unmotivated in a gym. They potentially lack confidence in knowing what to do. Exercise classes are much better as they have structure, proper guidance from a qualified instructor, and a fun social element too. Try seeing which classes have adult or family sessions available, you may be surprised. Dance, football, netball, and other hobbies associated with children can be fantastic fun for adults too, while getting you fitter and in better shape while you play. Martial arts, for example, is often misconstrued as a children’s activity, when in fact it was designed by the military for use only by adults. Over time, training has softened to make it child friendly, but it is designed to turn your average adult into the strongest and best version of themselves. Many people join in their 60s and go on to get a black belt. In Wyre Forest Taekwondo there are multiple members who are 60+ who enjoy their training alongside people of all ages. Many people at the club train with disabilities, long-term injury and other issues, but training is tailored to the individual, and you will find this at many different clubs. The benefits of training in later life include improving physique, reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, better all-round health (reducing risks of heart attacks and stroke), improved cognition & memory, lower blood pressure, improve mobility and flexibility, and most importantly exercise helps to slow down the effects of aging on both body and mind. It never hurts to get our and meet new people either! Article by Raring2Go’s Health Professional, Katie Billingham. Instructor of Wyre Forest Taekwondo, & qualified Personal Trainer. www.wyreforesttaekwondo.com WyreForestTaekwondo@gmail.com
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