As a popular Bristol osteopath, I find that more and more patients are asking me for advice on the benefits of gentle exercise so I thought I’d write a wider news post on the subject.

Some of the best forms of gentle exercise in and around Bristol include:

Dog walking

Power walking

Nordic walking with poles

Swimming

Cycling

Gardening

Gentle exercise essentially means any form of low-impact exercise which causes less strain on the joints and body in general compared to some forms of higher impact exercise, such as running, netball, football or rugby.

Gentle exercises can be excellent for fat burning, weight loss, and improving cardiovascular health. It is often longer, sustained and less intense exercise which can be anything from 45 minutes in duration and longer.

It’s important to note that gentle exercise does not mean a slow stroll, but should be a brisk walk at the very least, you need to get a bit “puffed”. It also helps the body to regulate its sugar levels.

Many of my patients consider gentle exercise if they have muscular or skeletal conditions or injuries. They may have experienced a loss of fitness, or increased weight, or a loss of muscle conditioning, or core strength. They may still experience poor back or overall body health.

The above are examples of common issues that patients at my Bristol osteopathy clinic have experienced this year. The effects and impact of Covid-19, lockdown, and working from home has been felt by many.

One of the biggest benefits of gentle exercise is that it’s accessible to everyone, and isn’t exclusive to any particular group of people.

Gardening can also be an excellent form of gentle exercise, and can be carried out during the entire year.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that gardening can involve lots of lifting and bending, so take care and be sure to take regular breaks when in the garden.

If you experience an injury from gardening, or any other form of exercise, then I can, of course, assist with diagnosis and treatment and if relevant ongoing maintenance treatments.

To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments that I provide across Westbury Park, Henleaze, Redland, Clifton, Cotham and BS6 in general, please visit here.

To book an osteopathy treatment in Bristol with me, please visit here.