Should Your Workouts Change When You’re Over 40?

Truth be told, you’re never too old to live a healthy lifestyle and no! you shouldn’t stop working out or enjoying your favourite physical activity once you reach a certain age. You can however adapt your workouts to avoid injuries and to get the best results from your fitness programme. The pressure to continue to lead an active lifestyle and ensure your body remains healthy and strong, should come from you. Perhaps you were thinking of trying a new sport, or taking up running, with a goal to run your first 5k, 10k or marathon. This is a great incentive to stay fit as you age.
 
As we age, we gradually lose muscle mass, strength and function. Muscle mass decreases approximately 3-8% after the age of 30 and this rate of decline is even higher after the age of 60. Therefore, it is more important now than ever before to continue to exercise. You don’t have to be extreme with your workouts, or lift heavy weights. Exercise must be fun, yet challenging and fits well within your lifestyle. This is a life long journey, so find a physical activity that you enjoy doing, add variety to it and set goals to keep you motivated.
 
So the next time you find it difficult to bend down to pick something up without holding your back on the way up, or your midriff is starting to hang over those once comfortable pair of jeans, think of the benefits a healthy lifestyle can bring. Consult a fitness instructor, personal trainer or workout with a friend, and start living your best life for decades to come.