Time to kick off the new you
AS WE grow older, there’s a notion we should slow down. But more of us are binning that idea and turning to sport as a lifestyle choice.
With the World Cup kicking off and footie fever gripping the nation, we look at ways to be an active participant rather than armchair spectator.
Formally the domain of Lycra-clad youngsters, it’s now the over- 50s who are far more likely to regularly visit their gym.
However, it’s walking that has come out as the prime pursuit of many.
This can be a bit more than taking the pooch for a stroll, as walking sports gain serious traction. Walking Football started in 2016 and there are now more than 500 affiliated clubs.
It’ s an accessible, inclusive and easy sport which slows the pace right down. You can still enjoy the competitive edge while gaining new skills and pushing up your step count, improving posture and increasing heart rate, in a good way.
Other sports re-imagined for walking include netball, basketball, tennis, rounders and hockey.
And with the Paralym pi cs and Invictus Games also making headlines, sport has been opened up to all abilities and ages.
Team GB para-rower Benjamin Pritchard ( inset) was paralysed from the waist down in his mid-20s. Introduced to rowing at Stoke Mandeville Hospital during his rehabilitation, he fully understands what it is like to get your life back on track through sport.
At home his accessibility product of choice is a Stiltz Homelift — which helps give him the same freedom and independence indoors as he enjoys on the water.
Rediscovering accessibility at home isn’t just liberating, it gives you the energy and confidence to enjoy outside interests such as sport.
Exercise can help lessen the health impact of ageing while providing much-needed camaraderie in our lives.
So, this World Cup season, put down the beers and cheer yourself on by seeing what an inclusive sport can offer you.