Easy Steps to Fitness Over 40

There is no doubt the question “fitness over 40″ is a matter of discourse in most doctor’s offices, social groups and between friends. Older people may complain because they can no longer climb flights of stairs due to uncomfortable knees. More frequently, you will hear of people getting diagnosed with high cholesterol, raised blood pressure, diabetes or coronary disease.

Fitness programs are a good way to relax yourself and have a less stressful life with a lot less diseases. Increasing physical fitness levels helps to build up muscle strength which in turn supports joints and helps reduce arthritis-related pain.

Sadly, 25% of the population in America are not physically active and 60% do not get the recommended amount of physical exercise. These statistics are gradually raising the number of people suffering from stress related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and raised blood pressure.

However, fitness over 40 plans usually don’t begin in the gym, and exercise is only worth it when your heart rate is raised for 30 minutes at least. That may mean walking quickly for 30 minutes in the neighborhood, jogging, bicycling with the children, rowing, treadmill in front of the television, bouncing on an exercise ball or using a trampoline.

If you are over 40, you need to think about the affect it will have on your current nutrition and habits as well as your ability to make the necessary changes.

To incorporate more fruit, vegetables and whole grains into your dieting would be another must for people over 40 to stay fit. A nutritionist may assist you to gradually shift into better eating habits.

Try to improve your health by having 5 – 7 servings of fruits and vegetables and drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water and also by decreasing the amount of white flour intake.

Exercise is essential but depends on the structure of diet, nutrition, and everyday habits to boost your health. Your fitness program can consist of cardiovascular and weight training.

Practicing cardiovascular routines can be applied to bicycling, running, walking, swimming, trampoline, exercise ball, or skipping rope. Mix the exercise up a bit and do it with friends because you’ll have more fun and you’ll stick with it longer.

With strength training, it’s advisable to skip every other day so that your muscles have enough time to recover.

Train your strength 2 – 3 times per week, either at the gym or at home. Strength training will increase the support of your joints, reduce your risk of osteoporosis and shed off your body fat. Thong M. Dao is a natural bodybuilder who is experienced in weight control and has been training since 2005. Drop by his site and claim your free fat loss information and fitness training information.