Exercise for all ages

> Here are ways to keep you fit and healthy

THE world of health and fitness is a maze that will confuse anyone. Thanks to the internet and power of social media, information is only one click away.

But in this endless stream of information, it is easy to find studies that contradict each other.

Thankfully, there are exercises and activities that have been proven over and over again to help anyone looking to live a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age or gender.

Remember, age is just a number and there isn’t a perfect time to start exercising. Start today and reap the benefits in the future.

Your body’s a temple Bodyweight training is suitable for anyone at any age.

Studies have shown that developing lean muscles is great for blood vessels, lungs, hormone production and the heart.

Bodyweight resistance training also has a positive effect on mental health, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For athletes around the world, it is one of the best tools for fat loss and muscle gains.

One of the oldest forms of strength training, bodyweight exercises also help keep our joints healthy as we age.

If done correctly, it can also help fight muscular and joint pain – making it perfect for seniors – while push-ups, squats and planks are safe enough even for children.

Make a splash Southeast Asia has been buzzing about Singaporean Joseph Schooling’s gold medal effort at the Rio Olympics recently. Hopefully, this will start a movement to get more people swimming.

It is never too late to start swimming as it can help reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. It is also ideal for those suffering from arthritis as it increases flexibility and mobility with low impact on the body.

Besides its obvious safety benefits, children who swim at an early age are less likely to be obese as they grow older.

Research also indicates that children who swam during their early childhood years perform better in academics compared to their nonswimming counterparts.

And spending time by the pool is a fun-family activity.

Namaste! As they say, if you can breathe, you can do yoga. Experts insist that you can be a yoga practitioner regardless of your age and still reap benefits from it.

Most schools in India start teaching yoga to Year One pupils as part of their physical education programme. They believe the breathing techniques reduce mental distraction which leads to better concentration. This in return will help students with their grades.

For seniors, yoga can help slow down the many symptoms of ageing.

Its benefits for seniors include improved blood circulation, clear respiratory function and healthy joint mobility.

Best foot forward Walking is the oldest form of exercise for mankind and probably the most natural thing a healthy human can do.

It is a cheap activity (all you need is a pair of good walking shoes) and it instantly creates bonding time between child and parent.

Research has shown that children who walk regularly have calmer personality.

For seniors, walking 30 minutes a day can significantly improve mental health and reduce heart problems.

Nevash Nair is currently on his own fitness journey in Thailand. Contact him via email at lifestyle. nevashnair@thesundaily.com.