Staying fit and active

At age UK Westminster we recognise the importance of keeping fit and active and how this can be difficult at the moment, so we have put together a series of exercises to lift the spirits, aid mobility, increase strength and reduce stress during these difficult times.

Please check your own capability but these are intended to be gentle exercises that are suitable for those who are not used to exercise or have limited mobility but are equally valuable to those who just want a gentle work out from home.

BECOME FIT FOR LIFE

Physical Activity & Exercise classes suitable for all.

Age UK Westminster’s Fit 4 Life project provides a range of activities and fun exercise classes at a range of community venues across the borough, as well as in the comfort of your own home. Classes are suitable for all, from gentle to more vigorous and challenging sessions.

As you get older, it’s important to be as active as you can. Regular physical activity will help you maintain strength, flexibility and energy levels, so that you can carry on doing the things you enjoy and stay independent. If you need help moving about or don’t usually do any exercise, doing any amount of activity is better than nothing. It’s never too late to start and you can build up gradually.

The Government advises older people to aim to be active every day and to:

• limit or break up the time you spend sitting still.
• build up to two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate
• do intensity activity (activities that get you breathing harder and your heart pumping faster) in bouts of ten minutes or more.
• do activities that improve muscle strength at least twice a week.
• do some activities that improve balance and coordination twice a week – this is particularly important if you have had a fall or are afraid of falling.

Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t able to do this much to begin with, start slowly and you will soon notice the difference.

*All the classes are led by qualified exercise practitioners/instructors.

The AUKW Flaneur Walk

Flâneur, a word once used to describe a wander without purpose has gotten a new meaning. Walking, even just for few minutes has been shown as beneficial for one’s health and well-being. Therefore, polish your cane and join a group of flâneurs on a stroll through Regent’s Park.

The walk is suitable for slower walkers and people living with health conditions and/or mobility challenges.

We will meet at St. Andrew’s gate – Regent’s Park Outer Circle, walk past the English gardens, continue to the Ready Money Drinking Fountain, and finish the walk at the Broad Walk Café.

Come along and enjoy a gentle stroll through Regent Park.

Please contact Tija Hubej (Age UK Westminster Fit4Life Coordinator) to register:

Tel: 07462 361232

Email: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk

Exercise Classes

Exercise at Home Programme

A home-based sessions for individuals who might be housebound,

living with chronic conditions, having mobility and balance issues, and find activities of daily living challenging.

*The sessions are not a substitution for Community Physiotherapy sessions or any uncompleted rehabilitation programme prescribed by the GP/medical professionals.

Time: As agreed

Venue: Home based

Contact: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk

Walking 1:1

What: Assisted walking sessions for individuals who might need a bit of help regaining their confidence in venturing outside their home. Clients will be matched with a suitable volunteer to support them in walking.;

Time: As agreed

Venue: Home based

Contact: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk

Fit4Life Exercise classes levels 1&2

Every Tuesday at the Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL
With Sharon our Qualified Senior Years Fitness Class Instructor.
Level 1 - 1.00pm-2.00pm - A chair to standing exercise class for those people who are less mobile. Combined movement helping to build strength and stronger bones, increase flexibility and balance.
Level 2 - 2.30pm-3.30pm - An exercise class that caters for those who are more mobile. Providing exercise to increase fitness, to work muscles and encourage movement.

DANCEWEST - Dance for Health 

What: Dancing class in collaboration with DanceWest. Refreshments

provided.

Time: 11.00am-12.00pm;

Venue: The Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL;

Contact: souad.abdellaoui@ageukwestminster.org.uk

Online Classes

We offer a range of exercise classes such as Zumba, Chair yoga and Re-energise online.

Follow the link to find Age UK Westminster’s online exercise videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=age+uk+westminster

Keep Fit and Active

It is important to keep fit and active at this time and the following link to the NHS Aerobics for beginners may be useful:

Find out more