Do you remember when you were 18? Certainly the energy that ran through you then is irreplaceable; unfortunately though, that all changes when we become adults.
As older people grow older, many experience physical health complications that interfere with daily activities. This is particularly prevalent for people just over 40, as their bodies no longer gain bulk or burn fat at the same rate that it did two decades earlier.
However, this doesn’t imply there aren’t practical steps you can take to keep yourself fit at any age.
Below are a few of the most helpful fitness tips for over 40’s.
1. Get outside as often as possible When the temperatures dip into wintertime territory, taking advantage of indoor activities is important for staying warm and contented. Take some time out of your day to visit museums, galleries, art centers or libraries – many offer free entrance. You might even discover something interesting on a visit!
Alternatively, if being indoors isn’t your cup of tea, why not consider going on a stroll through your neighborhood instead? Fresh air can do wonders for both body and soul!
2. Always Warm-Up Before Exercising
As we age, our muscles and tendons become less flexible which increases the risk of injury. Warming up for 10-15 minutes prior to exercising is one of the most essential fitness tips for over 40’s – warming up should not only come before but be part of every workout session itself!
3. Have Fun
As you age, it may become more important for you to spend more time socializing than working out at the gym – that is absolutely acceptable!
Be sure to enjoy life while it lasts – take part in sports, hobbies, dancing and singing activities that bring you pleasure.
4. Eat Healthier
What you eat as a youngster has an impactful effect on how you age; eating junk will only add extra pounds around your middle. Conversely, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish can help you lose weight faster while lowering cholesterol and decreasing risks of heart disease.
At 40+, it is essential that strength training be adjusted accordingly in order to adapt with changes that come with getting older. Men and women over 40 should adopt a slightly different approach when engaging in strength training than their younger peers; over 40’s should practice light strength training exercises three times every week at most.
6. Know Your Limits
Be wary of pushing yourself beyond your physical and mental capacities, or doing things you shouldn’t. In doing so, the worst case scenario would be getting hurt or injuring others. Instead, pace yourself when crossing new limits that you may have never crossed before; if unsure, consult professionals.
7. Explore other exercises
As you age, there is an array of workouts you can try out to stay active and maintain strength and flexibility for life. Examples of such workouts may include kettlebells, dancing, yoga, barbell exercisess, swimming and martial arts – these medium-weight, medium-rep exercises provide strength and flexibility that is crucial as we age.
Bottom Line — Engaging in regular physical activity is an absolute necessity, no matter your age group. Understanding which activities best meet the needs of over 40’s helps keep them fit as they age. All the fitness advice mentioned here can help them remain as fit and active as ever as they get older.