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The biggest age giveaway
Helen Franks gets down to basics
What`s more ageing than lines and wrinkles? Looking stooped and stiff and
uncertain in your stride. If your shoulders are rounded and slumped, or the
way you move and walk show lack of flexibility, you can add ten years to
your age. Or, to put it the opposite way, get a better posture, stand tall
and move with grace and balance, and you immediately look younger and more
energetic.
The word ‘immediate’ is relative. None of it happens overnight. You need to
take regular exercise to reach the happy state, and may not see results for
weeks or even months as you gradually gain muscle strength. But see them you
do, if you stick with the exercise that suits you. Ideally, get to a class
and take part in regular sessions at least twice a week.
Firstly, answer these questions to find out how stiff and inflexible you
are:
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Can you bend forward and reach (well almost) your toes? Without bending
those knees, though…
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Can you get up from a chair without the slightest groan or need to grab
the sides? Now try the sofa and see how you rise.
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Can you sit on the floor with crossed legs? And have your back straight,
not straining forward with those shoulders?
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Can you get down to the floor with knees bent? Much better for the back
than keeping legs straight, and useful when you drop something on the floor.
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Can you stay balanced on one foot for ten seconds? Without the aid of a
wall of course.
Which are the best exercises for flexibility and balance?
Swimming: Ideal for stiffies as the water provides a form of support,
offering greater movement than on dry land. Swimming also expands lungs.
Gyms that offer aquarobics in the pool provide an idea environment for
loosening up.
Tai Chi: You get gentle poses, mainly standing, with possibly a bit of
meditation thrown in. A good one to start with if you’ve never exercised
before.
Pilates: Terrific for abdominal muscles, with lots of mat work (ie you’re on
the floor). Get these going and your back no longer takes the strain. The
aim is to strengthen ‘core muscles’, meaning those supporting the torso. You
gain in flexibility too.
Yoga: More dynamic than pilates, with a series of standing poses and mat
work. Lots of stretching which sort of irons you out after time. You do have
to hold the poses for longer than with any of the above, but there are
classes for 59 plus and ‘remedial’ for people with limited movement.
Alexander technique: Good for posture, balance and aching backs. The
teaching aims to align neck, head and back, and is the most gentle of all
those listed here. Usually, you get individual tuition from £25 an hour –
costs more than class activities, but advocates say it’s worth every penny.
Which sports help?
If you prefer the idea of a sporting activity, try tennis, cycling, dancing,
hiking. But remember these tend to be repetitive, using the same muscles in
the same way again and again. Sessions of the destiffening exercises should
take you through a series of different movements, so your body gets all-over
regular reminders to stretch and tone. Nothing wrong with mixing and
matching different activities and exercises if you have the time.
Where to find classes and tutors?
Local newspapers, the internet, telephone directory, local library, adult
education colleges
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A vast industry is out there to help with all and
every beauty concern. In this column every month laterlife.com will report on ideas
and products, old and new. All with the focus on maturity of course.
