Over 40 Fitness

Over 40 fitness programs are growing in popularity as more people realize it's never too late to get fit and healthy.

Here are 10 tips that will help anyone over 40 start and maintain a fitness program.

1. Check with your doctor.

If you have any existing health conditions (heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes etc.) or you've been inactive for a long time, you need to get medical clearance before starting an over 40 fitness program.

2. Set goals.

Goal setting has been scientifically proven to work. Goals produce action. Goals create energy and motivation. Goals keep you focused. Visit the Effective Goal Setting page for more information on goal setting.

3. Develop a healthy eating plan.

Having a healthy eating plan is just as important as having a regular exercise routine when it comes to getting and staying fit and healthy. Visit the Creating a Healthy Eating Plan page for information on developing a healthy eating plan.

4. Start slowly and be patient.

Don't push yourself too hard too fast. You have to start slowly and be patient. Don't expect immediate or dramatic changes in your body shape or weight. Getting fit and healthy is not an overnight proposition, it's a lifestyle commitment.

5. Be consistent.

Once you start an over 40 fitness program, you have to follow it on a consistent basis if you want to derive any real benefits from it. Make time for your workouts and schedule them on your calendar or planner. Don't change your workout plans for every interruption that comes along.

6. Warm up before exercising.

Warming up before exercising is especially important when you're older since you're more susceptible to injuries than when you were younger. Warming up stimulates blood flow to your muscles, increases your joint flexibility, and gets you mentally prepared for your workout.

7. Give yourself enough recovery time after exercising.

As you age, you need more recovery time after exercising. Give your body the time it needs to rest and recover from your workouts and it will get stronger, fitter and healthier.

8. Lift weights.

Make sure that your exercise routine includes weight lifting. Weight lifting is the most effective way to build and maintain lean muscle mass and stay strong and functionally fit. Weight lifting will also increase the strength and density of your bones more than any other type of exercise.

9. Don't forget to stretch.

Your flexibility decreases as you get older, so make sure that your over 40 fitness program includes a regular stretching routine. Visit the Proper Stretching Techniques page for more information on stretching.

10. Enjoy yourself.

A fitness program has to be enjoyable if it's going to become a regular part of your life. When you first start a fitness program, especially when you're older, you may think it's a chore. But the more you keep at it the more enjoyable it will become.

In conclusion, don't let age slow you down. An over 40 fitness program will help you stay fit and healthy regardless of how old you are.

A great resource that can help you stay fit and healthy as you get older is Fit Over 40. It contains plenty of information and advice that can help slow down the aging process. To learn more about Fit Over 40, Click Here.

Over 40 Fitness > Antiaging Articles