Keeping Fit
The Ultimate Guide to Hill Fitness
Staying active is so important to one’s quality of life. It reduces the chances of illness and can prevent chronic disease. It also helps to reduce the risk of falls and reduce the risk of injury if and when you do fall.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care says staying active as you get older is important for good mental and physical health and wellbeing. It reduces the risk of many diseases, including some cancers, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Terms like “healthy aging” and “positive aging” are heard more frequently in the media these days but “Active Aging” is not just a trendy phrase or thrown together program. It is a measurable concept defined by the World Health Organisation as “the process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.”
The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines encourage older people (over the age of 65) to do 30 minutes of medium intensity exercise each day.
This means increasing your heart rate to a level where you can talk but not sing. You don’t have to do 30 minutes all at once, it can be done as three lots of ten minutes each day if you prefer. There are many great ways you can exercise around the house, by doing some gardening, grabbing a chair and sitting and standing repeatedly, or walking around the block or down to the shop (to buy something healthy of course).
Brett Andrews, Group Head of Sport and Wellness at Castle Hill Fitness & Aquatic Centre says it is important for older people to stay fit and moving and they have hundreds of members who do just that.
“At Castle Hill Fitness we have 900 members over the age of 70. They get together for workouts, do classes together and socialise afterwards, which looks after their mental, emotional and physical health.
“Castle Hill Fitness runs over 40 aqua aerobics classes every week. There are Super Seniors classes for the experienced workout participant, through to our Strong Bones program and Fitter For Life programs which support those a little less mobile.
“We also run yoga and Pilates classes for all levels and are set to soon introduce Tai Chi which is great for helping with balance and flexibility which helps reduce the risk of fall injuries. “
The advice for a fitter future is, check out Castle Hill Fitness at www.CHFAC.com.au or your local health district, or check out www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/ where you will find great ideas for introducing exercise into your day, staying active and living healthier.
