Age creeps up on everybody and once the magic age of forty is reached, the body changes. People of forty and older quickly learn that they are not able to do the same things they used to do so effortlessly when they were younger. However, staying fit remains a priority for those that wants to remain healthy and active. Fitness over 40 is definitely not a myth. It is possible to remain in top form, but it is necessary to change the way one exercises.
After forty, the supportive network of the body, that is the tendons, ligaments and cartilage, becomes less elastic. The chances for injury increases dramatically and that is why it is necessary to change from high impact exercises to low impact exercises. Running and aerobics, for example, need to make way for swimming and walking. Cycling and yoga are also excellent choices for those older than forty.
Those older than forty should focus on exercises that build strength. As the body ages the metabolism slows down and muscle loss start to take place. Strength exercises can help to prevent the loss of muscle but it is also beneficial in increasing bone density. Strength exercises also increase elasticity. Experts say that even people who never exercised before should do strength exercises once they reach forty.
Many studies have shown that those over the age of forty that exercises regularly live longer than those that get no or very little exercise. Many people follow strict exercise regimes earlier in their lives because they want to look good. After the age of forty the focus changes. Exercise then serve to help prevent disease and to maintain a steady weight.
Exercise should never be a punishment and after the age of forty it should not be equated with pain and suffering. At this age exercise should be a pleasure. It is not even necessary to use special equipment or to join a gym. Ordinary activities in and around the home, such as gardening or cleaning is often sufficient to keep a person fit. It may also help to take up a hobby or a sport that requires movement and low impact exercises.
Because the body grows less elastic after the age of forty it is vital to perform stretching exercises before undertaking any strenuous activity. Stretching will help prevent injury to the joints, ligaments and cartilage. Stretching should even be done prior to everyday activities such as working in the garden or taking the dog for a walk. In fact, stretching can be done at any time, even when it is not going to be followed by exercise.
Anyone contemplating a new exercise routine should consider a consultation with a doctor. This is especially important for people that are overweight or that suffer from a chronic disease and that use medication on a regular basis. It may also be helpful to approach a fitness professional for advice on a healthy exercise regime. Some people find it easiest to join an exercise club as has become popular in Atlanta GA.
It is never too late to start an exercise regime. When one reaches the age of forty, it becomes even more important to take steps to prevent the body from losing muscle and tone. Fitter people live longer and they live better. Even those that have never exercised regularly should seriously consider a fitness program when they reach middle age.
After forty, the supportive network of the body, that is the tendons, ligaments and cartilage, becomes less elastic. The chances for injury increases dramatically and that is why it is necessary to change from high impact exercises to low impact exercises. Running and aerobics, for example, need to make way for swimming and walking. Cycling and yoga are also excellent choices for those older than forty.
Those older than forty should focus on exercises that build strength. As the body ages the metabolism slows down and muscle loss start to take place. Strength exercises can help to prevent the loss of muscle but it is also beneficial in increasing bone density. Strength exercises also increase elasticity. Experts say that even people who never exercised before should do strength exercises once they reach forty.
Many studies have shown that those over the age of forty that exercises regularly live longer than those that get no or very little exercise. Many people follow strict exercise regimes earlier in their lives because they want to look good. After the age of forty the focus changes. Exercise then serve to help prevent disease and to maintain a steady weight.
Exercise should never be a punishment and after the age of forty it should not be equated with pain and suffering. At this age exercise should be a pleasure. It is not even necessary to use special equipment or to join a gym. Ordinary activities in and around the home, such as gardening or cleaning is often sufficient to keep a person fit. It may also help to take up a hobby or a sport that requires movement and low impact exercises.
Because the body grows less elastic after the age of forty it is vital to perform stretching exercises before undertaking any strenuous activity. Stretching will help prevent injury to the joints, ligaments and cartilage. Stretching should even be done prior to everyday activities such as working in the garden or taking the dog for a walk. In fact, stretching can be done at any time, even when it is not going to be followed by exercise.
Anyone contemplating a new exercise routine should consider a consultation with a doctor. This is especially important for people that are overweight or that suffer from a chronic disease and that use medication on a regular basis. It may also be helpful to approach a fitness professional for advice on a healthy exercise regime. Some people find it easiest to join an exercise club as has become popular in Atlanta GA.
It is never too late to start an exercise regime. When one reaches the age of forty, it becomes even more important to take steps to prevent the body from losing muscle and tone. Fitter people live longer and they live better. Even those that have never exercised regularly should seriously consider a fitness program when they reach middle age.
