Dear LPG,

I have to let readers know about how alarmed I was when talking to a couple of my very close friends recently.  We were talking about exercise and both of them said that they don’t anymore because, as they have got older, they would be embarrassed to be part of an exercise class. 

I used to exercise a lot when I was younger and although I am older now, and not able to do as much, I think that it is important for me to keep that habit going.  Like many people of my advancing years I don’t feel any different to the way I felt decades ago, but I am very aware that I look a lot different!  I have also managed to become a sufferer of high blood pressure as I have become older and feel the need to address that problem with relaxation sessions. 

I have always been quite self-conscious and, even though I do many more exercises while sitting on a chair these days, the thought of me and my unique shape being seen when I am adopting some of the exercise poses involved is enough to make my blood pressure rise even more! 

In the same way I would feel really embarrassed sitting down with my eyes closed and would find it really hard to concentrate if I knew that other people were watching, and I have to admit that I would also be anxious about who was taking a look at my bag instead of doing their exercise, or cheating by keeping their eyes just open enough to have a look at me and tell others how funny I looked while I was trying to relax.  What if I was so relaxed that I fell asleep and started snoring!  I would not live it down.

It is suffice to say that I have found a solution to my problem.

I know that there are as many methods of exercising as there are different people with their own tried and tested methods of getting fit and healthy, and I know that my method will not work for everyone. I have bought a DVD and take a few minutes out each day to get through a short exercise programme.  I also sit on a nice comfortable chair each night while listening to a relaxation CD and my afore-mentioned close friends occasionally visit and share the experience.  It is a reason to entertain and we are so close that we can smile about the things mentioned above.  I think I speak for my friends as well as myself when I say that we also feel really able to relax properly without worrying

I am really enjoying both my exercise and relaxation sessions now and I can really feel the benefits.

JT, Catford.

LPG found a few exercises specifically designed for older people and some relaxation exercises.  But please remember to do no more than you can do comfortably; especially if you are working alone.

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Most of the videos have been made in the US but they will give you an idea of the kind of exercise routines that are available.  Please note that if you are trying relaxation or exercise for the first time it may be a good idea to have someone beyond the door of your session room – just in case…