Fitness For Women - Exercise Is Critical If You Are Over 40

My point is, as we age it’s a little easier to work in 30 minutes of exercise daily because your goal is to reach and maintain GOOD physical condition, not perfect shape or condition. To be fit for your age. Make sense?

Now let's talk about Ashley.

For most of Ashley’s adult life, she was too busy to think about her own health. Her children were her priority. After gaining a lot of weight, she started to have numerous health issues, and a lot of aches and pains.

Ashley decided she needed to make a lifestyle change. She changed her eating habits, and then discovered the power of exercise. She learned the benefits of exercise affect every little part of her body, inside and out.

Benefits of Fitness for Women

Studies show that it is critical for women over 40 to remain physically active, in order to remain active after menopause.

Ashley was happy to hear that exercise can improve the quality of life during perimenopause and menopause. She found that exercising can lower the risk of many diseases, such as colon and breast cancer. It reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol while raising levels of “good” cholesterol. It makes the heart work more efficiently, lowering the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Exercise helps a person sleep better, and helps the body relieve stress, which reduces the risk of depression.

She learned to drink a lot of water before, during and after exercise. Never exercise on an empty stomach, or after a heavy meal.

She rested when she needed it, and pushed herself when she felt she could. The most important thing she discovered was to start each exercise routine with a little warm up, and end with a cool down. Just 4 or 5 minutes of walking in place as if marching for warming and at the end of your exercise, just slow it down for 4 or 5 minutes before stopping.

Strength training is essential, 2 to 3 times per week. Invest in a BEGINNERS DVD or tape and dumbbells: a set of 1 to 10 pounds only. Slowly work your way up to 10 pounds.

Fitness for Women - Exercise On Your Own?

Ashley started an exercise club with her friends, which held everyone accountable. And, it was a lot more fun than exercising alone.

In some areas they have “mall walkers”, a group of older women who walk around indoor malls, before business hours. Malls are accommodating this new trend. Check it out.

As always, see your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Back to top of Fitness For Women - Exercise Is Critical If You Are Over 40