As the days get longer and the weather begins to warm, Spring is a lovely time to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and gentle movement. Staying active is one of the best things you can do to support your joint health, flexibility and independence, no matter your age or ability.

You don’t need to run marathons to feel the benefits. In fact, some of the most helpful exercises for your joints are low-impact and easy to get started with. Here are five enjoyable ways to move more this Spring, at your own pace.

Swimming: Swimming provides a full-body workout that may help to strengthen muscles, support cardiovascular health and enhance flexibility. Whether it’s doing laps in the pool or participating in water aerobics classes, swimming is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a non-weight-bearing exercise option.

Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise characterised by slow, flowing movements and focused breathing. This mind-body practice helps to promote relaxation, improve balance and coordination and enhance joint flexibility. In fact, research has shown that Tai Chi is an excellent exercise for preventing falls in older adults.

Walking: Walking requires no special equipment, making it a simple, free and effective way to support your joint health as part of your daily routine. Not only is it a low-impact exercise, meaning that there is less stress on weight-bearing joints, like your hips, knees and feet, it’s also a great way to strengthen your muscles and keep cartilage healthy.

Cycling: Cycling is a fantastic activity as it places very little stress on your joints. The motion of pedalling moves your joints in a smooth and controlled way, helping to improve hip, knee and ankle flexibility, which may lead to better overall joint movement. Why not see what your local biking trails have to offer?

Yoga: Yoga is an effective workout for those who want to prioritise joint health because of its combination of stretching and low-impact movements. The gentle actions may help to increase range of motion, flexibility, strength and balance. If your mobility is compromised, chair yoga is an adapted yoga practice that allows you to stay seated while practising yoga-focused poses.

Try a Move it or Lose it class near you

If you’re not sure where to start, why not try a Move it or Lose it class? Designed specifically for older adults, our friendly, welcoming sessions combine seated and standing exercises to help improve flexibility, balance, strength and aerobic health. All movements are gentle on the joints and can be adapted to suit your level of mobility. It’s also a wonderful way to stay motivated and meet others in your community.

Find a class near you →

Support Joint Health from the Inside Out

In addition to gentle movement, certain supplements may help support your joints from within. GOPO® Joint Health contains specially cultivated, naturally sourced rose-hip (Rosa canina) with a uniquely high level of GOPO®, a galactolipid discovered over 30 years ago in Denmark. GOPO® has been studied in several scientific trials and is retained at the highest possible levels thanks to a special patented manufacturing process.

GOPO® Joint Health is also rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for normal collagen formulation, needed by the body for healthy bones and cartilage.

Rose-hip may play a valuable role in supporting the maintenance of joints and joint tissues and helps to keep joints healthy and flexible.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

GOPO® Joint Health is available at Boots, Amazon and independent chemists and retailers nationwide. Visit www.gopo.co.uk for further information.

Remember, by combining regular movement with daily joint support, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to stay mobile and well.