Does Getting Fit Over 50 Really Help Quality Of Life?
Do the rules for getting fit and staying fit after 50 differ from any other age group? Yes. Why? Because your body is different than it was in your 20′s, 30′s, and 40′s. You know that by looking at it, and the fact is, you’re dealing with a very different body that has very different needs. You may have coasted through your 20′s, drifted through your 30′s, and ignored the subtle signs in your 40′s. But, not any longer.
Usually around the time you receive the much anticipated letter from AARP, you’ve already started to notice a change or two in your body. Perhaps those pounds that appeared after a chocolate binge haven’t disappeared this time. Or, perhaps you crouched down to pick something up and your legs complained about getting you back up again.
Aging is inevitable. As a matter of fact, it’s preferable. However, the way we age is subject to many variables. Things like weight gain, unsteady balance, and loss of muscle and bone strength don’t have to be our doom. We can strive to be the strongest, healthiest person we can possibly be. After the age of 50, we need to be sure that we are working on our health – not just for today, but for our future.
Now that you’re with me, what exactly do we need to do, you ask. First, remind yourself that you didn’t get this far without being smart. You are 50 plus years old and you deserve to be fit and healthy. You deserve to be the strongest, healthiest person you can possibly be. So, how about we get started by reading the following fitness tips:
Set Your Goal: Remember when you wanted to fit in that swimsuit when you were 30? You starved yourself until you did it. Now, your goals have a new meaning. You want to feel good – no, not good, GREAT! Yes, you want to be trim and look good, but your goal must be something that is focused on your quality of life. Perhaps next year at this time you want to run a 10k race. Maybe you want to get back on a bike and ride with your grandkids. Maybe you want to be able to get in and out of your canoe again. Whatever it is, your goal must encompass a bigger meaning in your life than getting back into those jeans, although that’s cool, too!
Choose An Exercise Program That Fits You: You’ve probably tried a few exercise programs throughout your life and already have a pretty good idea what will work for you. Don’t go back to a gym if lifting weights around people never worked well for you. If floor exercises and free-weights get you hopping, then go for it. If camaraderie and support is important to you, then choose programs that embrace groups of people. If your idea of heaven is walking with headphones on, then you need to get walking. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy doing it!
Now, Stick With It: Okay, you have your exercise video all ready to go. You think you’ll enjoy it because you’ve tried things like it before. You give it your all for about 30 days, then stop. Why? Because most of us lose patience quickly. No results in 30 days? Done. The fact is it took many years to get out of shape, it will take some time to see results. Give yourself at least 90 days before you decide if you like the exercise program you’re doing and if you’re seeing results. There are reasons you may not like the exercise, and it may not be working the way you want. If not, find something else and start again!
When you get fit, and stay fit after 50 you are investing in your future. Yes, it will feel good to climb up those steps without getting winded, but it will feel even better when you’re 80! Exercising today and every day is what will give you the strong bones, muscles, heart, and lungs that will carry you happily through your entire life – for decades to come!
Is it ever too late to get fit for life? No! Join us at RemarkableWrinklies.com and see what folks over 50 are talking about… and doing… to feel their best!
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