We all know that regular exercise is good for us, but it’s especially good for women over 50. It’s never too late to start exercising, and once you get going some of the negative effects on your health of not having exercised regularly can be reversed.

Exercise can help menopausal symptoms and helps reduce the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as toning the body and controlling weight.

There are valuable social benefits in participating in group exercise activities as you’ll meet likeminded people, and this can be especially important if you’re no longer tied to the workplace and you value some routine in your weekly schedule. And if the thought of spending hours in the gym bores you and seems too much like hard work, there are plenty of fun ways to get the heart pumping and burn up the calories.

There are no age restrictions to cycling and you can go at your own pace. It’s a great form of aerobic exercise which is all the more enjoyable if you do it with a friend.

Active older people reduce the risk of hip fracture by taking part in regular exercise and cycling is extremely good for increasing stamina, strength and coordination. It also offers that wonderful sense of freedom that we often crave.

For the extroverts amongst us, belly dance is incredibly good for the joints and bones and offers an amazing feel good factor. It strengthens the hip and leg joints and stretches and strengthens the muscles, especially those in the lower back. Belly dancers come in all shapes and sizes and most women report that it helps improve their confidence on many levels.

Rowing offers a total body workout. It strengthens the back whilst working the joints and muscles. It’s also great fun to work as a team if you fancy joining a rowing club and have a natural competitive streak.

Once again, there are no age barriers to rowing. You could simply team up with a friend, hire a boat for an hour or two, and take turns to use the oars, whilst the other person relaxes with a healthy drink or snack and takes in the relaxing vibes of the river.