GET BACK ON IT!

Haven’t exercised in years? Don’t sweat it – whatever your age, you can always get in shape

Want to get your body on track, but think you’ve missed the boat? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to get fit and healthy, says Healthspan’s wellbeing expert Nicola Addison. If you’ve only ever flirted with fitness or you’ve fallen off the wagon more times than you can remember, we have the steps to get you in shape. And the best part is, you can do this simple workout plan at home for free – no expensive equipment required.

Why it’s important

‘Regular exercise lowers the risk of many diseases, reduces stress and anxiety, helps us to sleep better and makes us feel happy,’ says Nicola. It’s also important for keeping our muscles strong as we age. ‘Muscle mass declines every year after 30 by 2-5%, depending on your biology,’ says personal trainer Annelies Harte. ‘If you don’t do anything by your 50s, your support system diminishes and you’ll get progressively weaker year on year.’

So, how do you start? ‘Everyone can exercise in their own home or simply by walking,’ says Annelies. ‘The important thing is to get into the habit of doing a workout regularly.’

Our plan (right) has been designed to help get you fitter, healthier and happier. If you haven’t worked out for a while, start doing it once a week. After a month, do it twice, and after two months add a third session. Worried you’re not going to enjoy it? Switch the TV on while you’re working out and you won’t even notice you’re doing it. Win, win!

1 WARM-UP