Top 5 Fitness Tips for People Over 40

Exercise just may be the magical key that unlocks happiness. Science tells us that exercise improves mood, fights depression, enhances quality of sleep, reduces stress and prevents disease. And according to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, regular exercise can actually slow the aging process. If you are north of 40, keep your body strong and your energy up with our best exercise advice. Here are 5 Top Fitness Tips for People Over 40...

1. CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU LOVE

If you see exercise as a chore, you are less likely to experience its benefits because you probably won’t stick with it in the long-term. Find an exercise you love and you don’t have to go in search of your motivation.

2. STRENGTH TRAIN

Muscle tissue can burn three to five times more calories than fat does. So the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn, even while sitting.

3. MIX IT UP

If you love to jog or love to run, you might just want to stick to your favorite workout day in and day out, but your body needs a mix of cardio (for your cardiovascular health) and weight training (for your body’s strength).

4. SET A GOAL AND TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Write down the workouts you do on a calendar you see daily. Seeing your efforts and progress in writing (or on your phone) gives you a boost and a sense of accomplishment.

5. STRETCH

As we age, stretching helps us maintain a good range of motion in the muscles, allowing joints to operate at normal functionality so they’re not limited. Make it a practice to stretch regularly when your body is already warmed up.