#StrongerforSummer

Stronger for Summer image

Did you know that your chances of being hospitalised with a respiratory illness reduces if you stay active at home?

This is particularly important if you are not very mobile, are over 65 or have a health condition.

Being active doesn’t mean doing vigorous exercise. Instead, we recommend moving a bit more throughout the day, in whatever way works best for you. It’s never too late to start exercising and its one of the most effective ways to maintain independence and to ensure we stay steady on our feet.

In collaboration with our campaign partners, we’ve provided some exercise resources that can help you maintain your strength, balance and breathing so that you can carry on doing the things you enjoy.

Simple ways to keep active

chair squats
the stork
wall snow angels
rotations
wall push ups
overhead lifts
stair stepping

 

Images and content reproduced
with kind permission
from
Age UK and Nuffield Health

Age UK Oxfordshire’s physical activity service has also made available some home exercise DVDs that you can order for FREE today. The DVD contains 5 exercise sessions (3 x strength & balance x Thai Chi). Request your free copy by emailing gg@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

For more exercises and tips

Simple ways to keep active during the pandemic (Age UK) – Recommended strength and aerobic activities for people at home.

We are Undefeatable (16 UK leading charities) – To support and encourage finding ways to be active that work with each person’s conditions.

Stay Active & Stay Well (British Lung Foundation) – Videos that give you everything you need to start exercising at home.

Active at Home (PHE/Sport England) – A practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance. It follows concerns that low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future.

Move More at Home (Age UK Oxfordshire & Generation Games) – 5 specialist 1 hour long home exercise DVDs delivering specific physical activity sessions in the community, with a strong focus on Strength & balance (aimed at reducing the risk of falls) for people with lung conditions, dementia, cancer, cardiac conditions and balance concerns.

Active lives (University of Southampton) – Active Lives, is a theory and evidence-based, physical activity digital tool, designed for those 65+. The tailored programme helps improve physical activity levels easily and safely, helping individuals stay mentally sharp, active, fit and healthy

Get up and go (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) – six exercises for strength and balance. Physios say these simple exercises can help improve co-ordination and balance. Try them daily or twice a week.

Singing for lung health (British Lung Foundation) – Resources on how singing can improve your breathing and wellbeing.

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Do what you can and start slowly

It is fine to push yourself a little bit, but don’t do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable and trust your instincts about your own limits. Stop if you are feeling any pain or lightheaded and make sure to rest and stay hydrated. A little soreness in muscles and joints after exercise is quite normal for the first day or two. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure of their suitability for your personal circumstances.

There has never been a better time or greater need for us all to get active and get going again after lockdown.

We are encouraging everyone to take the first steps into the summer and re-energise to be as fit as possible and to live life to the full.

The information here will help you make the most of your potential.

Dr Richard Russell, Consultant Physician and Respiratory Lead for NHS England and NHS Improvement South East

Taking a small step every day to be more active will help you get stronger for summer.

Building strength with simple exercises or activities like those listed here can be done whilst the weather is better and we can enjoy getting back outside to do the things we’ve all missed so much!

Getting stronger for summer will also help your lungs stay healthier ahead of winter. All content is free to access so why not have a try of these exercises and find one that works for you?

Sara Bolton, Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals & Interim Regional Chief Allied Health Professional,  NHS England and NHS Improvement South East

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