Helping yourself to live well

Moving your body a little every day will do you a world of good! 

NHS Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults age 19-64 recommend:

• do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least 2 days a week
• do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week
• spread exercise evenly over 4 to 5 days a week, or every day
• reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity

NHS Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults (65+) recommend:

• be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity
• do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
• do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
• reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity
   

Here are a few ideas of activities you could enjoy locally: 

• Ageing Well Activity List - provides a range of physical activities to enjoy 
• Health and Wellbeing Walks - enjoy the outdoors, through organised walks with others
• East Lothian Ranger Service - Wild about East Lothian events - join the countryside rangers for a series of talks, walks and events.
• East Lothian Library Service - so much more than just borrowing books, see what your local library has to offer
• Tourism, Arts and Entertainment - visit East Lothian!  Discover the heritage, culture, arts, and entertainment on offer.

Health and wellbeing walks

Walking is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise. 

All that you will need is a good pair of shoes, and you can start slowly, gradually building up as your level of fitness improves.

Why not join one of our local walking groups and walk in pleasant surroundings in the company of others?

A Health Walk:

• is FREE
• is led by a trained volunteer on a risk assessed route
• is up to an hour long
• has a short warm up at the start, followed by a brisk walk and then a short cool down at the end
• welcomes new walkers who would benefit from being more active
• is a friendly group walk offered regularly
• is an opportunity to meet new people in your area and explore places you might not have been before

There are walks to suit most abilities and we usually finish off with a tea or a coffee.

For more information and to find groups in your area:

Visit the Ageing Well website

Preventing strain on your joints

• Joint care: Looking after your joints when you have arthritis | Arthritis UK