As people age, they often become less active. This can increase the risk of health problems, including weight gain, muscle loss, and decreased flexibility. Exercise can help offset these effects of ageing and keep us healthy and independent.

It can be easy to let your fitness levels slip during the winter months. The cold weather and shorter days can make it harder to motivate yourself to get out and about, but it’s important to try and stay active during this time.

There are many benefits to exercise, including improving cardiovascular health, fall prevention, improving cognitive function, preventing reduced flexibility, and helping to manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

In addition to this, there are several other benefits which are particularly important to staying well throughout winter and maintaining your winter wellbeing:

It helps to boost your mood

Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. So, if you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, a brisk walk or some other form of exercise could help improve your mood.

It helps to increase your energy levels

During the winter months, it’s not uncommon to feel like you have less energy than usual. Staying active can help to combat this by giving you a little energy boost.

It helps to keep your immune system strong

Exercise has been shown to improve the function of the immune system, so staying active in winter can help to keep you from getting sick.

It helps you to sleep better

If you’re struggling to sleep during the winter months, exercise can help. Getting active during the day can help to tire you out so that you sleep better at night.

It helps to prevent weight gain

It’s easy to put on weight during winter as we tend to eat more comfort foods and spend more time indoors. Staying active can help to offset any weight gain or contribute to healthy weight loss to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Even moderate activity, such as walking or swimming, can have a positive impact on health. There are plenty of ways to make exercise fun, whether it’s taking a dance class or playing a sport with friends.

If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy and active, don’t forget the importance of exercise. It could be the key to maintaining your independence and enjoying life to the full.

Take a look at the range of services available to Bury residents who can provide a variety of different support, advice, and opportunities to exercise in Bury.

Alternatively you can explore a range of useful resources and exercise ideas below to keep you moving.