Put a spring in your step
Getting in shape is all about finding an activity you enjoy doing because you'll stick to it and get better results at the end. So follow our guide to some low-impact exercises.
These will help you burn calories and lose weight without putting your back out.
Walking
Get out and about and your legs will tone up perfectly in time for summer. You've got no excuse now the nights are getting brighter, so instead of driving to the shops or taking the bus to work, walk it! And if you have to use transport, park a little further away or get off a stop earlier to give yourself a gentle workout. It may take a few minutes more but you will feel the benefits straight away. Fit tip: Buy a pedometer to measure the amount of steps you take each day, and try to beat your previous day's total.
Swimming
For all-round benefits you can't get much better than swimming.
By popping down to your local pool you can tone all your major muscles (legs and arms especially), build up your overall strength and improve the health of your heart and lungs. And the best thing is that it's relaxing! You don't need to be able to swim like a fish to feel the benefits of ten or so lengths doing a slow breast stroke. Fit tip: If you can't swim ask about aqua-aerobics at your local swimming baths which will allow you to keep fit in the pool too.
Dancing
Who doesn't love dancing? There will be loads of different dance classes in your area, so if you've ever fancied learning the rumba you'd be foolish not to look in the Yellow Pages for a class near to you. It's a great way to meet new friends and if you find a style of dancing that suits you, it will make for an enjoyable workout that doesn't seem like hard work! Fit tip: Visit UK Jive and see if there's a modern jive class near you – it's great fun, fantastic exercise and you don't need a partner to join!
Stair climbing
Unless you live in a bungalow, you should have everything you need for this simple exercise in your own home. Walking up and down stairs is a great way to get your heart rate up and is something you can do in your slippers at any time of the day. You'll find you don't have to go very fast to feel the effects on your legs and going up and down four or five times in a row is a good starting point. Fit tip: Every time you have to go upstairs to the toilet or to fetch something, go up and down the stairs twice and your workout will be stretched out throughout the day.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the best low-impact forms of exercise you can do. Your bodily strength and muscles will all benefit from regular cycling. It's free (apart from the bike itself, of course) and it's something you can do with all the family. And if you love peace and quiet, nothing could be better than a leisurely ride along a canal or around a local park – if the weather's good. Fit tip: Buy an exercise bike so you can cycle when the weather's bad outside.
