Getting Fit After 50
For a lot of people maintaining a decent level of fitness and healthy living is quite the challenge but for women over 50 it may sometimes even feel hopeless. Getting, and staying in shape after this age is possible but it does require come consistency. Many difficulties of aging are linked to an inactive lifestyle. “A healthy lifestyle matters at all ages,” says Professor Goya Wannamethee, who has spent 32 years studying thousands of people to see how their habits affect their health. Looking into works best for every individual requires a little bit of research so I will give you some tips.
Physical activity may help tame some of the symptoms of menopause that consist of hot flashes, joint pain, and sleep problems. Exercise also lowers your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It’s important to know every bit of movement counts. If you’re too busy for a regular workout, look for other ways to be in motion. Your steps each day add up. The effects of exercise extend throughout your whole body that it influences every physiological system in the body for the better.
Don’t know where to start? Find a sport, game, or activity you like. You’ll stay committed to exercising if you’re doing something that you enjoy. You can start with Aerobic Exercise which can be walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming, Aerobic exercise works the large muscles in your body, benefitting your cardiovascular system and your weight. Work up to getting 20 or more minutes per session at least 3 days a week. A 2013 study led by BHF-funded researcher Dr Barbara Jefferis showed that walking for more than four hours per week, even at a slow pace, reduces risk of stroke in men aged 60–80.
Strength Training and stretching are two more ways to stay fit. Lifting hand weights improves your strength and posture, maintains bone strength, reduces the risk of lower back injury, and also helps you tone. Find a weight you can comfortably hold and start doing some reps. Stretching helps you maintain flexibility in your joints. Yoga and pilates are perfect for building core body strength and increasing stability.
As you move into your 60s, and 70s focusing positive lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Keep working at it and try to ignore choices that set you back into your old ways! And as always come to me for any questions or tips!