Importance of Fitness

in Your 40s

Fitness When You’re Over 40

In your 40s and beyond, fitness tends to take on a new shape. Exercise routines you once found merely challenging may become painful or even impossible by the time you’re 40, 50, or 60.

Why Be Fit?.

Decreased risk of Type 2 diabetesDecreased risk of hypertension (or

high blood pressure)Decreased high cholesterolImproved mental healthWeight lossBetter quality sleepStress reliefIncreased bone densityDecreased risk of early death

Motivation Is KeyCome up with a few reasons why being active will help create a healthier you, such as:• Being a positive role

model for kids• Decreasing the risk of

developing high• blood pressure or Type

2 diabetes• Losing weight

How Much Is Enough?

Do at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity or 1¼ hours of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity a week.

Include strength training using all of the major muscle groups two days a week or more.

For more health benefits, increase moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to five hours .

Does Walking Count?

Walking slowly is considered a light-intensity activity. Brisk walking is an example of a moderate-intensity activity and includes walking and talking but not being able to sing. With vigorous-intensity exercise, you can only say a few words without catching your breath.

No More Excuses.

Maybe you have heard that being fit is important, but perhaps you have been busy starting a career or raising a family. If physical activity hasn't been a priority, start now by setting reasonable goals. Begin with activities you enjoy and slowly build up your endurance.

Ways Your Workout Should Change

This loss of muscle mass will also change the way your body looks and responds. The redistribution of muscle to fat may affect your balance. Less leg muscle and stiffer joints makes it more difficult to move around.

Foam Roller MistakesAlthough simple to use, there are mistakes you can make with a foam roller that will hurt in the long run. Pay close attention to these five mistakes that may set you back instead of moving you forward• Rolling Speed• Spending Too Much Time on

the Knots• No Pain, No Gain Doesn't

Apply• Using Bad Posture

Modify Your Strength Training.

When you were younger you might have "hit the gym" to lift weights on a consistent basis. But, as you age, you need to build functional strength over strength in isolated muscle group. The idea behind building functional strength is to improve your abilities using groups of muscles you would normally use in everyday life.

Enjoy the healthy balance of delicious food

Quite simply, eat, so working out gives you balance. Plus it’s great for fighting depression — a natural (and fun!) mood booster

Enjoy the healthy balance of delicious food

Quite simply, eat, so working out gives you balance. Plus it’s great for fighting depression — a natural (and fun!) mood booster

SO LET'S WORK IT OUT