We all know that keeping active is very important, whatever your age and health status. Exercise need not involve equipment, and often the simplest exercises are the best. Committing to a small investment of time and effort to look after your body and your health will bring great rewards for you, improving your confidence and self-esteem. It is never too late to start keeping yourself fit.

The biggest risk from exercise is not starting. Our bodies need to be used and moved. If we stay still in one position for too long, for example after an illness, when sitting at a desk, or when driving for long distances, we will start to experience physical discomfort. Our muscles will ache and our joints will get stiff. If limited mobility continues, our muscles get weak and will not be able to hold us in the right position. We then start to slouch and end up with more aches and pains. Doing the right level of exercise at the right time is the means by which you can strengthen your muscles and joints, and improve your posture. This in turn will improve your general mobility, increase your day-to-day fitness, help to maintain your ideal weight and, make you feel better in yourself.

The key to success in any exercise plan is to find activities that you enjoy and that you will want to participate in. Once you have found an activity you enjoy, it will become much easier to gain the benefits associated with regular exercise. However, there is a fine line between over-activity and not doing enough. By working with us, you can discover the right balance for you. This does not necessarily mean you have to do less. It means planning and pacing your activities so you are always comfortable and able to enjoy the things you want to do.

Remember that physiotherapy is intended to relieve pain and improve function. We are always here to assist you. If exercising is a new experience for you, we will support and encourage you through this process by teaching you simple, specific mobilising, stretching and strengthening exercises to suit you. We can work with you after an injury to rehabilitate you, working within the limits of your pain and discomfort and heeding any restrictions established by your doctor or consultant. It is important that whilst you are under our care, you listen to your body and communicate any signs and symptoms of discomfort to us.