Getting stronger
“Bodyweight exercises such as the sit-to-stand, or even walking upstairs, are a great way to strengthen your muscles, but as your body adapts and becomes stronger, you need to make it work a little harder to keep your muscles in shape,” says Julie. “It’s often easier to work with small weights or resistance bands, rather than do bodyweight exercises such as press-ups or lunges.”
For example, bicep curls or arm raises can be done with a resistance band or tins of soup; aim to do ten repetitions then rest for a minute, then try to do another ten. Gradually, as this becomes easier, you can build up to three sets of ten repetitions. To make it harder still, make the weight heavier or the band stronger.
Joining a local exercise class or trying a workout DVD at home could help you discover new exercises to try. Yours readers can get 15 per cent off a range of fitness equipment and DVDs at www. moveitorloseit.co.uk by using code Yours at the checkout until May 31, 2018.
