As Perth mornings warm up, getting outside becomes a lot easier, making spring a great time to move a little more. It’s also a good excuse to question something we’re often told to just accept: that slowing down is part of getting older.
Our bodies do change with age. That’s part of life. But the habits we keep day to day still carry real weight. Regular movement, paired with exercise that actually suits you, can play a role in maintaining strength, mobility and general wellbeing over time.
Start With More Everyday Movement
Spring doesn’t call for an overhaul. Chasing a brand new routine the moment the weather turns is usually where people burn out fastest. Small changes, the kind that fit into a Tuesday without much thought, tend to be the ones that actually stick.
That might mean a walk around the neighbourhood, pottering in the garden or simply getting up and moving more often during the day. If winter has been a quieter season, ease back into activity and build gradually.
“Staying active doesn’t have to mean doing something big. Finding a few simple ways to move more often can be a great place to start, especially after a quieter winter.”
Keep Strength in the Picture
Strength work isn’t only for people who spend hours at the gym. Depending on your abilities, bodyweight movements, resistance bands or light weights can all be simple ways to add some strength-based activity to your week.
Everyday things count too. Getting out of a chair, carrying groceries and climbing stairs all rely on strength.
If you’re new to resistance exercise or haven’t done it for a while, an appropriately qualified health professional can help you work out what may suit you.
Make Time for Mobility
Mobility matters as well. Moving your joints regularly through a comfortable range can help maintain your ability to bend, reach and turn during everyday activities.
This spring, pick one manageable habit and start there. A daily walk, a few mobility exercises or some appropriate strength work can be an easy way to bring more movement back into your week.