A Beginners Guide To Working Out After 40

Young people who are just entering the workforce are so energetic that they find time to manage their busy work schedule, and engage in a daily physical workout regimen. After a few years, around 25 or 30, they begin to slow down, and reduce their workout schedule to once a week, and sometimes they just eliminate it all together.

When people turn 40, they take a good look at themselves in the mirror, and realize that exercise needs to be a part of their life. After many years of inactivity they are now in a quandary as to where they should begin.

Being active at one point in life does not mean that it will be an automatic endeavor to start over where it ended. Some people think a lot about it, but actually doing something about it makes for a different story.

Starting an exercise program after 40 is not always as easy as it sounds. The ambition may be there, but the drive is still lingering. This is going to take some peer interaction, goal setting, and finding a place in the busy schedule. This is a great age. No one is ever too old to get fit, and enhance their health.

Some Benefits of Midlife Exercising

Being physically fit during middle age is a boost for good health. This could help prevent cardiovascular diseases, reduce high blood pressure and diabetes, and help alleviate some bone and joint ailments. In fact, it has been proven that many chronic illnesses can be prevented with mid life exercise. It also tones the muscles, and keep away the battle of the bulge that many often go through during middle age.

The benefits of exercising after age 40 are astronomical. One benefit is that it increases the endurance level which could be helpful on the job, and dealing with the many concerns of a busy parent.

Exercising also helps with sleep. Anyone suffering from sleep disorders will greatly improve their sleeping habits with daily physical activity. People will get a good night’s sleep, and awaken in the morning feeling great, and ready to get started with the day.

The brain also functions better when physical exercise is a part of the daily regimen. It helps with cognitive thinking, and the uncomfortable forgetfulness that is often experienced after middle age.

How to Get Started

Before beginning an exercise program, make sure that you see your doctor first to know if you are capable of doing the impending exercise.

The next thing to do is to set a goal as to why you want to start an exercise routine. A few reasons could be to lose weight, tone up muscles, or improve overall health. After being inactive for a number of years, it may be better to start slow with one of the many beginner exercise programs at the nearest community center, or YMCA. They have staff members that can get you started at a pace that is comfortable for you. Low impact exercise is a fun way to get into the action. Staff can help design a program that will suit your needs, and from which you can gradually increase the performance.

If being in the company of others is not how you want to begin, then walking around the block is a good starter. There are tracks where you can put on your head phones, and walk while passing the time listening to your favorite music. When it is time to increase this level, jogging is the next level. This is beneficial to the entire body.

Many people even enjoy walking inside the nearby malls. In some malls, walking a mile is easy by just walking up, then down the length of the mall. This can be very wholesome when doing interactive walking with peers.

In the beginning, whatever exercise that you choose, start it slowly, and build it up slowly.

Schedule Exercise Routines

It is better for the success of an exercise program if it is considered as important as the regular tasks that are performed during the course of the day. Schedule a specific time for exercising.

The time should not interfere with anything relating to work, and home. Choose a time when nothing else is pressing. Allow at least one hour of time that can be devoted to the beginner exercise programs of choice. Do not schedule them at a time where you are forced to hurry.

The cool down time after the physical action is essential. Some people are energetic, and want to keep moving, but there are those who may want to rest afterwards. Ample time is vital for the success of the activity.

It may be hard for some people to do a 30 minute workout without stopping. Time must be allotted for this. Family members can be a helpful part of the exercise regimen. Invite them along on one of the brisk walks to the park. Once a week, make this an all inclusive event with loved ones.

You Are All Ready to Begin

Starting an exercise program takes initiative and planning. You must have the determination, and know what you want to achieve from it. Not long after the exercises begin, you will start to feel and see the benefits regular exercise on the body.

It is normal for people over the age of 40 to be concerned about their health, and their appearance. Some call it a mid life crisis, but it is just understanding that the body is due for a change. Deciding on where you want to begin should not be problematic. If you enjoy swimming, that is a good start. Swim at your local indoor facility on a regular basis, then add more activity.

Exercise should not be a grueling task. That stands the reason to begin with something that you love to do. Have a healthy attitude about physical activity, and do not treat it as though it was an inconvenience.

Make a commitment to exercising regularly. This will also help decrease the stress associated with work, and normal living.

The Bottom Line

There is no better time than now. If you put it off until a later date, you will procrastinate again. You want to get up, get moving, and keep moving for a more healthy you.

Starting your workout after 40 is an ideal time to rectify what years of inactivity have done to the body. See your doctor, set your goal, make a plan, and schedule your sessions for a workout program that will be gratifying, and have many healthy benefits. Your body deserves the attention, and your health deserve the boost.

Changing your lifestyle after 40 means that you will enter your golden years with energy to burn, a healthier body, endurance, a good cardiovascular system, and more strength in the muscles and joints.

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.