Fit at 40

Remember the saying "age is just number?" Many of us are looking and feeling better than ever at age 40 and above. Don’t let a number stop you or slow down your workout routine. If you are experiencing symptoms like the middle age belly bulge, tighter muscles leading to acute injuries, or more daily stress, you may need to tweak your routine. Here are some suggestions from the exercise experts at Life Fitness for staying fit at 40 and above:

• Calories In vs. Calories Out. In order to keep your weight down no matter what your age, you have to create a calorie deficit, meaning you are burning more calories daily than you are consuming. This is especially important during your 40’s, when a drop in your level of hormones and possible reduction of activity level has likely resulted in a drop in your metabolism. Remember that it’s not about deprivation, but moderation – look for the little things you know you can afford to turn down, and it will add up to a big difference.
• Increase Your Strength Training. Strength training is important as you age. Muscle is an aging adult’s friend. It burns more calories at rest, which ultimately gives your metabolism a boost. Not to mention, it makes you look trimmer because muscle takes up less space than fat. Strength training also helps prevent osteoporosis and injuries. Try doing a circuit of upper and lower body strength training by using the machines at your gym.
• Reduce Belly Fat. The 40’s are often the decade when you start to feel thicker around the mid-section. Changes in hormones as we age can contribute to this trend. Working with your doctor to monitor any fluctuations is always important, and although you can’t spot reduce belly fat, you can do a few things to help prevent it. Step up your cardio workouts to burn calories and to lose fat overall. Hop on your treadmill for an extra 10 to 20 minutes a day. Get outside and take an extra evening walk. As you shed some fat, tone up your belly with core body exercises.
• Add flexibility training. Start stretching after every cardio workout. By lengthening the muscles, you can help protect against injury and improve your range of motion. What you didn’t feel in your 30’s you may start feeling in your 40’s, so be proactive and stretch.

For More Information Contact:
Stephanie Weiss
Life Fitness
stephanie.weiss@lifefitness.com

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