The Body Worlds exhibition in at the V&A Waterfront until 31 January, has an information board stating that people in middle age who have not done regular exercise are physiologically 20 years older than their counterparts who have exercised.  That’s scary!

It’s never too late to start, so read our Top 5 Ways to Get Fit:

Sky Gym:

Have you seen those Circe du Soleil and Madame Zingara gymnasts tying themselves in knots from long suspended silks? Well now it’s your turn! No matter your fitness levels you will be able to lift off the ground and suspend yourself even if for a few minutes. It’s great for upper body and core strength, balance and stretching and a good dose of oxygen to the brain.  Google aerial silk classes Cape Town and you’ll come up with sites like The Silk Workshop recently featured in The Sunday Times, or watch what you could achieve on YouTube.

Pole Dancing:

Not only is pole dancing an expression of movement and sexuality, it’s excellent exercise. We’ve discussed the benefits of pole dancing in a previous blog and a quick google search tells you where the pole dancing classes are near you.

Walking:

It’s free, it’s fast, it’s good for your heart, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and the only equipment required is a pair of trainers. Walking is the most underused form of exercise and is particularly good if you’re starting from a low level of fitness. Our bodies are perfectly designed to do it! Time yourself on a route, then over the weeks get faster and increase the distance. You’ll be amazed how far you can walk in half an hour and the sights, sounds and smells you will experience along the way.

Climbing:

There are so many health benefits to climbing it’s hard to know where to start! It gets you out in the wilderness and challenges your mind, body and soul. It gives you a strong core and guys develop an awesome six pack. It gives you strength in just about every part of your body and you often have to walk to get to the rock face so it’s good cardiovascular exercise too.  Cityrock in Observatory has very popular indoor climbing walls and they hire out kit. Climb ZA is the best website for information, routes and climbing news.

Gym:

Gyms often have specials at this time of year so act on your New Year’s Resolution and find some aspect of the gym that you enjoy. Don’t punish yourself doing weights if you hate it because you’ll never stick to it. Our very own blog writer Carrie Hampton was once one of London’s top Personal Fitness Trainers and her advice is, “put your exercise times in your diary and treat them like any other appointment.”

Images via The Silk Workshop and City Rock.