Starting an exercise routine can feel a little intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are loads of simple routines you can try. And the good news is that many things you do every day anyway count towards your physical activity levels, such as cooking, housework or gardening.

There are many benefits of physical activity for older adults. It not only helps maintain the ability to live independently and decreases the risk of falling, it reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes.

Light exercise also reduces symptoms of anxiety, dementia and depression and fosters improvements in mood, which are welcome benefits during a time of limited social interaction due to lockdown.

Jivanjot Singh Sahota-Trustee of Ekta Unity said: “For some of our service users, the lack of regular exercise could lead to problems including reduced muscle strength, coordination, balance, flexibility and mobility, and decreased cardiovascular and respiratory functions, all of which can make people more susceptible to ill health. Over the last 12 weeks of lockdown, Ekta Unity has been regularly sharing various light and easy exercises with our service users, that can be done from the comfort of their own home requiring no equipment and just a bit of motivation”

Anna Pitan has produced a series of special videos for Ekta Unity, containing some simple, low-impact exercises that our service users can do in the comfort of their home.

We hope the following exercises will help you stay active during these challenging times.

Jivanjot Singh Sahota
Trustee
Ekta Unity