Many years ago, when I was much much younger, I used to do some exercises in a plan called the 5BX plan. This is a plan developed by the Royal Canadian Air Force to help people build up to a certain level of fitness depending on age. It combines a series of exercises aimed at strengthening all the major muscle groups as well as general cardio-vascular fitness.
Over time I abandoned this in favour of jogging then, when my knees got too sore, walking.
I've been noticing lately that I'm not very flexible any more so I thought I'd give the 5BX a re-run. The author recommends starting at the very lowest level which is D- on Chart 1. In my 20's I could start on Chart 2 and still find it easy to zip up the levels. I thought I would be cautious, but the D- exercises seemed a bit too sedentary so I jumped right into C-. All went well until I started the running on the spot... some thigh muscles were definitely complaining fairly quickly.
I just completed the exercises in the allotted time. Although it knocked me up for a couple of minutes (muscle pain not heart pain!), after five minutes I was completely recovered so that's not too bad.
It looks like I won't be zipping up any levels any time soon. But I will try to stick at it and improve my general fitness and loosen up some of those muscles!
I remember this from when I was a little kid. My dad had either a book or a 33 1/3 record for 5BX. He was in the RCAF and I guess heard about it there and he always thought it was a wonderful exercise program. I believe he still does some of the exercises, but at age 83, he's limited to just a few!
ReplyDeleteI read recently someone writing on their blog that their doctor had recommended this exercise programme for seniors: Lie down on the floor, have a short rest then slowly get up. Repeat as many times as you can manage without feeling unwell.That's probably a lot more exercise than many younger people get!
ReplyDeleteVery definately!!! :lol: I'll pass that one on to my dad, he will enjoy it!
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