As a subscriber to the Lucid website, and given our close links to Salford Community Leisure centres, we thought we would raise awareness of the importance of staying active for maintaining a long-term healthy lifestyle.
You may be telling yourself that as you reach your mid-forties, the gym is too much of a commitment, or that you simply can’t hack the weights like you could in early 20’s. However, regular exercise can help prevent many health issues that are more likely to develop for adults over the age of 45. The risk of having a stroke, a heart condition or vascular dementia have all been linked to high cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight problems.
Research has found that participating in regular physical activity contributes to up to a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as up to 40% less chance of Type 2 diabetes. Many adults are much more prone to a lack of healthy activity than they initially realise, especially those that drive to work to sit at a desk for 8 hours. Even online shopping contributes to people staying at home in front of a computer, with little physicality required.
Adults between the ages of 19-64 should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, with exercise such as cycling and running being cost-effective and economically friendly ways of staying healthy.
Going to the gym isn’t all about power-lifting or doing 100 sit-ups a session, with yoga, pilates, squash and swimming all being included membership benefits. It’s never too late to start either. Leisure centres offer a range of weekly classes with professional fitness trainers, and although the recommended 150 minutes may seem a lot at first, this can be broken up into shorter segments, which can become a new, healthy hobby after a rigorous day at work.
Salford Community Leisure has 8 leisure centres across the city of Salford, a focal point of the local community. With over 1.4million member visits last year, each centre offers a welcoming environment to motivate you to stay healthy and remember the importance of being active. Our 4-sheet posters in the gyms promote a range of local businesses in the Salford area, offering eye-catching creatives that make your time exercising all the more enjoyable.