How To Properly Exercise After Forty

Studies have shown that if you start a physical fitness program after you turn 40 you are more likely to be physically active after normal life changes like menopause than if you didn't start a program. Statistically more than 60% of women don't get the needed amount of physical activity and then there is 1 in 4 that aren't active at all. Women who begin an exercise program over 40 obtain the benefits of a much healthier lifestyle than that of even a young person who does not exercise.

We know that our metabolism slows down greatly once we reach 40, because of loss of muscle, life changes, lack of physical activity, thyroid problems, etc. Furthermore, our metabolic rate slows down 5 % all on its own every decade past the age of forty. Many people, especially women, feel like there is absolutely nothing they can do in order to stop this life change from occurring. They simply sit back and watch the weight add on year by year. However, there are certain steps we can take in order to improve our metabolic rate during our mid-life.

One way to maintain our weight at the age of 40 is to eat 100 calories less per day. Given that our metabolic rate slows down by 5% at 40, cutting out those 100 calories will help us make up for that 5% of calorie burning potential we lost. By consuming those 100 calories each day, you should expect to add on 10 extra pounds by the end of the year.

The number one obstacle that women name for not beginning an exercise program is because of the time constraints.
Unfortunately that may be due to the belief that the program must be intense, hard and grinding and must be something that leaves you spent and aching the next day but you are only working your body so that you can gain the health benefits of a strong fit body.

You only need 30 minutes every other day in order to maintain your weight. When you begin an exercise program over 40 don't get hung up over the time or intensity. The most important thing is to be consistent and flexible in your approach. This isn't an all or nothing issue.

Once we turn 40 we tend to have less time to exercise, if any. We push our own needs aside in order to take care of our families. However, it is very wise to maintain a fitness routine. It is also greatly recommended to intensify your routine slightly. For instance if you are used to walking on the treadmill as your form of exercise, try positioning your machine at an up-hill position. This will help you work out and strengthen your muscle. Muscle is the key to burning calories, even while at rest. Once we reach age 40 our muscle mass diminishes greatly if we fail to exercise. Keeping these few factors in mind will help us improve our metabolic rate in the near future. Great for your health.

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