Dear LPG, 

One thing that I think many of us missed during the past two years is a bit of regular exercise and, while things are beginning to get back to normal now, I know that I am not the only older person who is still reluctant to get out despite all the injections and official relaxing of the rules. 

I also know that quite a few of the clubs and social centres that we used to frequent did not survive the pandemic, leaving quite a few people missing of the places that they used to go to for a little exercise.  

Something else that has put me off going back to exercise classes is the amount of extra weight I have acquired without even knowing it.  It is so easy to put on a few pounds without noticing until you get those summer clothes out again each year and many of us have not had a reason to do that for a year or two now. 

I decided to start with a bit of exercise at home and, even though I know different people have differing abilities when it comes to what they can do, I found a few yoga based movement sequences that might help to ease readers back into the routine of getting those muscles working a little more freely.  

I am not sure about getting your head into the ‘zone’, but the music is relaxing and, even if you can only manage a very limited version of what is being demonstrated, a little stretch a couple of times a week might be a way of beginning the ‘wake up’ therapy your body needs right now.  

I got one of my neighbours involved and we take turns to clear the centre of the living room, provide a couple of chairs and a screen to follow the exercises on, and a nice cup of tea and a chat after our session.  Failing that, it might be something to try while making a video chat with a friend a regular thing.   When you know that someone else is expecting you to be ready for action at a certain time, it is harder to make excuses and put the session off.

Can I see an improvement in how I look in the mirror or what the scales tell me when I get the courage up to step on them?  I am not sure, but I now look forward to, and feel better for, the exercise, tea and chat which cannot be a bad thing.  

MA, Catford 

LPG would again mention to our readers that a chat with your GP if there is any reason that exercise is not the way forward for you, and that this is not a bad idea for the gentlemen amongst us to get involved with (even if they decide to substitute the cuppa for a pint) …

MA offers a few suggestions for your first session…

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And a reminder that even on National Yoga Day the exercises doesn’t have to tie you up in knots while you go for the most difficult positions…  

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