
How Should I Exercise As I Age?
Exercise is important no matter what your age is. If you are over 40, or 50 or 60 years of age, it is still important to be physically active. Exercise can not only help control weight, it can also increase energy and reduce aches and pains. It can help keep your heart healthy and reduce injury.
With that said, as you age, your body behaves differently, and this may cause you to modify your routine. Avoiding injury should always be a top priority, no matter what your age. But, as you get older, your body gets a bit less resilient, making recovery a slower process. Make sure you use good form when exercising after a solid warm up.
You may need to push yourself harder when you hit a plateau. Don't be afraid to work hard. It can be tougher to build that fat-burning muscle, but you can do it.
If you’re just starting out, you may notice a few things. You may have less energy and stamina. You may feel off-balance. You also may notice that even with diet and exercise, the weight doesn't come off as easily as it did when you were younger, and building muscle has become more difficult.
What Happens To My Body As I Age?
A lot of things, of course. When it comes to fitness though, there are some specific changes that will affect your workout. As you age, your muscle mass is reduced and it becomes a little more difficult to build it. Your metabolism slows. You may have less energy, you may notice more fat, and that the fat is harder to get rid of.
Those factors, coupled with lower energy can make getting fit seem impossible.
How Can I Stay Fit As I Age?
Be sure to exercise daily. Walking, bodyweight exercises such as pushups and squats are good. Try taking a group class or work with a personal trainer.
Get enough protein and healthy fat in your diet. Getting a good amount of quality protein will assist your body in creating new muscle.
Join a local gym for expert training advice, the latest exercise equipment and a variety of classes. A gym can help you stay motivated and be social. You may find an accountability partner or enlist the help of a personal trainer.
The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo is a facility that can give you all of this, with a friendly staff ready to answer your fitness questions.