While getting in shape is beneficial at any age, the Mayo Clinic points out serious health risks connected with belly fat, which many women develop as their estrogen levels reduce with age. Estrogen determines where fat is distributed in your body. Belly fat produces hormones that may increase the risk of strokes, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and colorectal cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drop your excess fat permanently with a gradual weight loss --- up to two pounds a week. Ask your doctor which kinds of exercise will work best for you.
Set Your Goals
Achievable goals will help you stay on task with a fitness program. Write down your short-term, intermediate and long-term goals. Be specific with the numbers. If you never exercised before age 50, or you are returning after a long hiatus, a short-term goal might be to take a walk each day. An intermediate goal could be to walk for 20 minutes, four times a week. A long-term goal may be one you and your physician agree on. Picture yourself having completed each goal and then take it one step at a time.
Enjoy Your Workouts
Liking your exercise routine and finding something that matches your lifestyle makes it easier to stay with it. At age 50, the kids may be grown, but you could still have a demanding work life. Try various exercise machines, fitness classes and trails for walking, running or biking. You might want to work with a personal fitness trainer who can help you develop the workout that's just right for you. The bottom line is finding what you really enjoy, so you will get off the sofa and do it, says athletic coaching professor Kristen Dieffenbach.
Share the Journey
Working out with a friend or family member helps you stay motivated by the mutual support involved in a shared activity. In research conducted at Penn State University, participants who started a new exercise program with a partner logged more hours working out than people who exercised alone, according to Women's Health magazine.
Recommendations
Make exercise a mandatory part of your daily schedule. Reward yourself with quiet time or an activity you enjoy, after working out. Once you've reached a fitness goal that's important to you, treat yourself to a healthy reward such as new walking shoes or workout music. It is especially important for women over 50 to consult with a doctor prior to starting a new exercise program.
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