Fit and Fabulous Over 50

When a person reaches fifty, they have learned to accept their imperfections.  You no longer have to settle for that tummy bulge, arms that wave back, or a sagging rear view.  You can look just as appealing walking away as you would if you walk toward someone.

As a person ages, the ability to stay physically active sometimes becomes less frequent.  Because life has never-ending responsibilities, we often lack the motivation to keep moving.  At the end of a busy day, we feel too exhausted to do anything other than relax in our favorite easy chair.

People use all sorts of excuses why they cannot exercise.  Exercise programs do not work, they lack the time, cannot make the commitment, and the dreaded “I hate to exercise.”  Maybe you started an exercise program in the past, but got discouraged when you failed to drop those pounds.  You never bothered to exercise when you were younger, so why start now.  Baby boomers are becoming fit and active at fifty and above and are in best shape of their lives.

Getting fit has many benefits.  It makes you feel good, look good, gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, helps to fight against most diseases, and improves your sex drive.  If you feel confident about yourself, you feel more attractive.

Did you know you could turn back the clock if you exercise regularly?  If that is not enough to get you motivated, nothing is.  Have you ever wondered why your sister in her fifties looked forty-something?   What about your best friend who is forty, has no physical activity, and looks fifty.

Studies show that individuals are living well into their eighties and nineties. Getting in shape so you can make the most out of the next thirty plus years probably is not such a bad concept.

Let’s explore other fundamentals that can help you stay strong and healthy.

Muscle Toning – There are many reasons why you should build strong muscles with strength training.  Building strong vibrant muscle increases metabolism, enhances energy, keeps your body in balance, keeps your bones in alignment, supports your skeleton, and burns calories at rest.

Stretching – It is just as important to stretch before and after exercise as it is to do the actual workout.  Failure to stretch can make it difficult to achieve simple everyday activities such as putting on your shoes or reaching for something.  It can also cause muscle tightness, soreness, and injury.  You can also improve your flexibility by doing a series of stretches everyday.

Balance – You can learn balance techniques by practicing yoga. Balance building exercises are significant so you can react in certain situations to prevent yourself from falling and possibly breaking a hip.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water!  The body is made up of 75 percent water.  We are constantly losing water throughout the day through bowl movement, urine, and sweat, so it is essential to replace what we lose by drinking clean clear water.  The nutrient of life!

Watch what you eat.  Limit your intake of fats, sugar, sodium, and caffeine.  Replace unhealthy food with nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meat.

Thus, if you are quickly approaching the big 5-0 or perhaps have already reached that important milestone, you can lead a full and active life. It is never too late to get fit and fabulous!