{"id":4599,"date":"2022-08-17T16:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T15:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=4599"},"modified":"2024-07-11T14:37:38","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T13:37:38","slug":"move-why-balance-and-flexibility-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/move-why-balance-and-flexibility-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Active habit 3: Balance and flexibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you think about getting active, what\u2019s the first thing that comes to mind? Building muscle in the gym? Getting your heart racing with a run? How about standing on one leg for as long as you can? While it\u2019s something many of us don\u2019t really think about, improving balance and flexibility can make a big difference to our lives, both now and in the future. That\u2019s why it\u2019s one of Slimming World\u2019s five active habits for a fitter lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slimming World\u2019s five active habits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Sitting still less<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Everyday movement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Balance and flexibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Moderate-intensity cardio activity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Building strength<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Each of these five areas of activity brings big rewards in its own way, and together they unleash a bounty of bonuses for your health and fitness. The good news is, if you\u2019re new to activity, building balance and flexibility is easier than you might think \u2013 and you definitely don\u2019t need to have the moves of an Olympic gymnast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019d love to discover an activity programme that supports you to get fit at your own pace, you\u2019ll find <\/strong>our latest special offers here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why is balance and flexibility important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Building balance helps with co-ordination and maintains muscle strength as we age, potentially reducing the chance of falls. Plus, it helps to improve posture, reduce aches and pains and lower the risk of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAll of these things help to maintain your confidence and independence as you get older,\u201d says Dr Jacquie Lavin, our Head of Research and Scientific Affairs. \u201cWhatever your age, if you\u2019re at the very beginning of your activity journey, improving your balance and becoming more flexible could be the first important step that enables you to start moving more.\u201d

    Slimming World member Kate Goodman (    @sw_kategoodman<\/a>) has been making progress towards her Body Magic goals with gentle stretching sessions, and she feels fantastic for it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Slimming<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    MORE ON THE BLOG: If you\u2019d like to shimmy into shape, check out our guide to dance classes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Getting started<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Activities like yoga can improve balance and flexibility. You could also try ones of these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n