America is growing older by the moment. In fact, according to the Demographics of Aging “NEVER BEFORE IN HUMAN HISTORY has our planet contained so many older people—or such a large percentage of them.”
Fortunately, a new French study found you’re never too old to start getting in shape. The men who were either cycling or running after age 40 were found to have the same heart benefits as those who had begun exercising prior to age 30.
Fitness after 40 does have important unique dynamics. Here are some very practical tips by Katherine Hobson (Smart Fitness for Grown-Ups: 11 Tips for the Over-40 Exerciser):
• Get comfortable. (If you are new to fitness clubs, choose the atmosphere you resonate with.)
• Find activities that are right for you. (Do what you like to do, when you like to do it. If you are not a morning person, do not take a 6:00 am spin class.)
• It’s not all about aerobics. (Be aware of the need for strength-training, flexibility, and equilibrium-building exercises.)
• Start slowly. (A good warm up is essential, and set reasonable beginning goals for increasing your activity. For some, that may mean you start with a walk after dinner rather than 5 days at the gym.)
• Change it up. (Especially after 40, cross-training is your friend!)
• Make it a priority, and don’t make excuses. (We schedule office meetings, so why not workouts?)
• Don’t underestimate yourself. (A significant number of competitive runners started after 40.)
• Speed up. (Go one minute hard for every four of rest.)
• Get social support if you need it. (Take a class at the Y or join a walking, running, or biking club.)
• Mind old injuries. (If you had knee damage in college, consider swimming over running.)
• Don’t obsess over weight. (Fitness has lots of benefits—including lowering your risk for some types of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes; plus better sleep, mood, and attitude.)
This week, evaluate your own fitness habits. Whatever your age, you can make choices that provide you with greater health and well-being.
This health tip originally appeared online at https://scs-matters.com/Fit-After-40/.
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Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips
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Rev.Debra Basham
Voice or text: (269) 921-2217 Email or Text: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
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