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 have always wanted to do can and should be an exciting prospect.

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

Why do I need to prepare my body for retirement?

Have you ever tried to open a door with a rusty hinge? If so, you will know that it's difficult to begin with until you work it repeatedly and free it up.

Our bodies are just 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 8-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 you 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 physiotherapist or try our Posture Corrector Pack. By completing the exercises for the short transition period into retirement, it will help guide your body away from the old routine and prepare your body for the new retirement life.
3. Make a smooth transition into a healthier retirement:Start your exercise sessions 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 and active retirement!

If you’re planning on retiring soon, following these simple steps will save you from a possible world of pain. See it as an investment in a healthier and longer lasting retirement plan!