Some people wish they could simply turn back the clock or at least discover the elixir of youth, but there are plenty of realistic and empowering ways to reclaim your wellbeing as you age.
We support our members to develop habits for healthy ageing and reach their personal goals by moving more, eating well, building strength and tone, stretching daily, having a positive mindset and finding a supportive community.
Here we explore five of the top tips for physical, mental and social health that you can embrace at any age to feel more confident, capable and self-assured.
1: Prioritise movement in your day to support your wellbeing
If you want to feel energetic and vibrant as you age, then it’s time to prioritise movement. Being physically active helps boost your circulation, which is key for optimal health and energy. Moving and stretching your body daily is also a great way to increase your endorphin levels, helping to improve your mood, reduce pain and release stress. Start small by walking each morning, trying a new exercise class at the gym or getting expert advice from a trainer to plan a new workout…every effort counts. Aim to be consistent with your fitness routine and have fun!
2: Be holistic with your approach to strengthening your body
Building muscle strength and mass as you age is important for preserving bone density, core strength, balance and flexibility. To support a holistic approach to your physical wellbeing, mix up your workouts and exercise classes at the gym to include cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training. For motivation, choose exercises that you enjoy, whether that be a warm-up jog on the treadmill, a spin class with a group while listening to pumping tunes or a stretch on the mat in Yin Yoga.
3: Listen to your body and support its recovery
If you ever feel muscle soreness or stiffness after a workout, it’s important to listen to your body and find out what’s it’s trying to tell you. Consider seeking professional guidance to diagnose the root cause of any persistent pain. With this knowledge, you can ask a personal trainer to create a personalised plan with modified exercises to support your recovery. Explore gentle and restorative exercises such as Reformer Pilates or Yin Yoga to help strengthen muscles safely and maintain momentum on your fitness journey.
4: Find your fitness community
Healthy connection is an important piece of the puzzle for nurturing your wellbeing as you age. Aim to build a support network of fitness buddies so you can inspire each other to stay on track. Get creative with your fitness routine and try a range of group exercises classes. Workout with a friend and hold each other accountable. Or sign up for a fitness challenge and cheer each other on. Be courageous in stepping beyond your comfort zone; it’ll be worth it when you achieve your personal goals.
5: Support your schedule with meditation and mindfulness
Stress can play havoc with your moods, increase your cortisol levels and reduce your immunity. To reclaim your wellbeing, take a fresh approach and try to identify the stressors in your life. Reflect on how you can free up time and space in your schedule for rest, recovery, healthy eating and to invest in activities that light you up, such as exercising to destress and feel empowered. Join a mindfulness or meditation class to learn strategies to calm your amygdala, the part of your brain responsible for switching on and off your stress response.
With these wellbeing tips, you can start to become the best version of yourself and build healthy habits for life.