1. Exercise Extends Life
Research shows that exercise slows the aging process. Although 40 may not sound old, many people slow down their exercise efforts as they age, often totally stopping any physical activity. Exercise routines do need to change as you age, but the effort is well worth it. You can positively influence your cardiovascular system, overall physical health, memory and mood if you keep up an exercise routine after 40.
2. Joints Take a Beating
Aging joints are a fact as you age. Your shoulders, knees and spine especially take a beating from exercise, lifting and sitting for longs periods, so paying attention to the degenerative problems in your joints is important when you exercise after 40. Unless your doctor has recommended you stop, exercising will actually help delay and build strength to protect your joints. Women and men can start experiencing joint pain from osteoporosis or hormonal changes during their forties; a visit to the doctor can help you rule out any pain related to degenerative disease.
3. Metabolism Needs to Be Recharged
As you age, your metabolism slows down, usually due to the loss of muscle mass which can be up to 1 to 2% a year. To rev up your metabolism, start an aerobic exercise routine like walking, biking or swimming. However, the most important part of rebuilding your slowed metabolism is strength training. If you don't keep ahead of muscle loss, you can gain 10 pounds every 10 years after forty. Building strength doesn't require pumping iron in the gym; you can build muscle mass lifting hand weights, with resistance training with bands and exercises that target specific muscle groups, such as squats for leg and buttock muscles.
4. Keep It Loose
Keeping your body flexible can help prevent injuries and pain from aging joints, tight muscles and the little aches and pains of your body. You can gain flexibility by stretching, which sounds simple, and it is, but think about different options to keep stretching interesting such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and exercises for specific muscle groups.
5. Top Exercises After 40
Switch to low impact exercise after 40, especially if you are a woman. Walking is a natural and is one of the most beneficial exercises; it builds endurance, burns fat, relieves stress and is easy on the joints. Biking is great to add to your routine if you have arthritis or pain in your knees. Low impact aerobics including dancing, low profile step and aerobic machines like treadmills and elliptical trainers protect joints, but give all the cardiovascular benefits of running or other high impact options. Other more adventurous exercises you can try include horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking.
