Keeping fit throughout the year

Staying fit and healthy is important at any life stage, but clearly it becomes even more so as we get older: regular exercise is crucial in fighting off health problems.

Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve and maintain good mental health. New Year resolutions can centre on a desire to improve wellbeing and take up some form of healthy activity, but to maintain it beyond January you need to find something that is right for you and that you can work into your daily routine. 

It doesn’t need to be anything extreme; gentle but regular exercise like walking or swimming can make a huge difference and be a good opportunity to meet new people.

It’s never too late to start exercising, and retirement can give you more time to take it up. Little and often is often better than one big push, and you can always find local facilities that offer classes that suit your pace. Here's a little inspiration of the type of classes you could join at an Audley village.

When considering a move in retirement, the ability to keep up your fitness should definitely be a consideration. Retirement villages often offer not only gyms with a range of equipment to use, but instructors who can work up bespoke training packages and give personal training sessions to ensure the exercise is tailored – including around specific health concerns.

At Audley Villages, a range of activities and fitness classes are offered throughout the year, from Zumba to Pilates, and personal trainers offer group and individual sessions for different abilities. Some of the tips our Audley Club experts share with owners include outlining a fitness plan, setting realistic goals and tracking progress so you can see the difference over time.

Of course, there is no saying somebody who has retired from full-time work isn’t a full-time marathon runner, but the likelihood is that activity levels will decrease as we get older. For that reason, an achievable plan is central to making it work, and this does not have to fall down the list of priorities should you move home.

The Audley Club is located at the heart of each Audley Village. Join in January for a choice of offers, including three FREE PT sessions. As a homeowner at a village, access to all Club facilities and classes is included.