As Mark Twain once said, ‘the secret of getting ahead is getting started’ and this could not be truer when it comes to fitness. Whether you’re lacking motivation, don’t have as much energy as when you were younger, or feel you can’t find the time, staying fit can be a challenge.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adults aged 18-64 should do at least 2.5-5 hours of moderate exercise each week.
How does a good night sleep, feeling happy and relaxed, preventing disease and boosting your immunity sound?
These are all benefits of regular exercise!
Libraries are not usually associated with exercise - unless you’ve scaled the stairs at Ivanhoe a few times - but you may be surprised to know that you can work out for free at YPRL.
The key to exercising is to find something you enjoy doing so it’s not a chore. Having an exercise buddy can also help with motivation!
At YPRL, adult library members aged over 50 years old can join Fitness After 50 at Diamond Valley and Eltham libraries for a morning of motivated movement. This 45-minute class involves using weights, a chair, and a stretch band to exercise with likeminded people.
Explore and register for events here:
Fitness After 50 at Diamond Valley Library upcoming sessions:
Fitness After 50 at Eltham Library upcoming sessions:
Alternatively, adult library members who like a bit more pep in their step, may prefer to join the Rock and Roll Dancing class at Whittlesea Library on Wednesday nights. This weekly social event is bound to bring some fun and fitness to your week. So, what are you waiting for, get your dancing shoes on show off your moves!
Rock and Roll Dancing Class at Whittlesea Library upcoming sessions:
If reading this blog has got you in the mood to kick start or enhance your fitness journey, sign up to one of the free library exercise events and wander through the shelves to find a book to inspire you.
Here's some book to get you started:
Yoga after 50 for dummies by Larry Payne
If you’re seeking clarity, improved balance and flexibility, then this yoga book for adults aged over 50 has got you covered. Flick through the pages to learn how to calm your mind and body, one pose at a time.
Running is my therapy: relieve stress and anxiety, fight depression, ditch bad habits and live happier by Scott Douglas
Long time runner Scott Douglas shares his experience and tips on the benefits of running, including on physical and mental health. A must read for runners or aspiring runners.
Staying young with interval training: the revolutionary HIIT approach to getting fit, living healthy and keeping muscles young by Dr. Joseph Tieri
Readers who are time poor and seeking fast fitness may be suited to this book which focuses on high intensity impact training (HITT). Dr Joseph Tieri explores how to burn fat and have the ripped abs you’ve always wanted.
Get your oomph back: a guide to exercise after a cancer diagnosis by Carolyn Garritt
With cancer impacting many people’s lives, this book is specifically aimed at those who have had cancer or are currently living with the disease and what exercises may be helpful for them.
Mindful exercise : metarobics, healing, and the power of tai chi by Dr Peter Gryffin
Dr Gryffin explores the link between health and slow meditative exercise including tai chi, qigong, and yoga. He also explains the benefits of mindfulness exercises for treating chronic disease.
52 ways to walk: the surprising science of walking for wellness and joy, one week at a time by Annabel Streets
Also available as an eBook (Libby).
Walk this way to discover the health benefits of walking and to find inspiration on where to complete your next stroll.
Flex your age: defy stereotypes and reclaim empowerment by Joan MacDonald
Part self-help book and part memoir, this guide demonstrates how to embrace change and learn what you're capable of at any age through motivation techniques, fitness and nutrition fundamentals, and how to find and contribute to a community of support.