Planning your retirement should be something to look forward to. The thought of returning to hobbies of the past or finally having a go at an activity you’ve always wanted to do can and should be an exciting prospect.

However, if you’ve been sat behind a desk or steering wheel throughout your career you might be shocked to find your body starts failing you in the first few days of your retirement!

Why does it matter that I’ve been sat all my career?

I often use the analogy of a rusty door hinge when explaining this situation to clients. If you’ve ever tried to open a door with a rusty hinge, you’ll know that it’s difficult to begin with until you work it repeatedly and free it up.

Our bodies are the same. Our joints require regular movement and circulation to work at their best. Without it, they will ultimately stiffen up and become ‘rusty’.

Apply this to someone who has worked behind a desk or a steering wheel 40-ish hours a day, 5 days a week, for the last 40+ years and you can see why their body won’t respond kindly to walking up hills every day, going on long cycling trips or even looking after grandchildren more often!

So… what can I do about it?

Prevention is always better than cure. So, just like preparing your finances before you retire, you should physically prepare your body as well using this simple step by step guide.

1. Set your retirement goals: Consider what exactly you want out of retirement. Remember to be realistic and don’t set your goals too high. You should stage them suitably so that you allow yourself the time to recover from the increased physical demand.
2. Source help: If you want to get more active but the body isn’t willing, source the help of a good personal trainer. Consider hiring a physical trainer for the short transition period into retirement, so they help guide your body through the new stresses and strains.
3. Make a smooth transition into a healthier retirement: Start sessions in your physical activity of choice whilst you are still at work. Ease into it slowly to avoid injury and strain. As you gradually wind down the work, gradually wind up the activity.
4. Enjoy a pain free active future!

If you’re planning on retiring soon, following these steps will save you from a world of pain. And, if you’re already carrying a niggle, a physical assessment from a qualified healthcare professional could be invaluable in addressing potentially weak or vulnerable areas.

See it as an investment in a healthier and longer lasting retirement plan!

Should you wish to invest in your body ahead of your retirement, or if you’ve already retired and hit the ‘wall’ of new task pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch and find out how we can help you!

Keep MOVING!!