Fitness is one of the most basic things in life that people strive for, especially if they are aged 50 years or above. If you are someone from this particular age group, you need to understand that fitness doesn’t mean possessing flagstone pecs and ripped abs. More than anything else, maintaining fitness is all about staying healthy and in good shape.
There has to be a definite blueprint, with the help of which you can give your body a proper shape without getting stressed. If you are 50 years old or older, you should follow a fitness plan which should be effective as well as engaging for not only your biceps but for your brain, too. So, what should be your plan of action? Find it out here.
Don’t Obsess Over Your Appearance
Fitness in the Pumping Iron age was all about having a single-digit body fat and softball biceps. However, the scenario has transformed in recent years. People belonging to the age group of 50 and beyond can have a physique to die for without going through rigorous workout sessions at the gym. Muscularity and extreme leanness are unnecessary for fitness. Moreover, it’s an unrealistic goal that you don’t need to set for yourself and trouble your body with. Continuous performance is more important than measuring yourself up and down in the mirror. Take baby steps to allow your body to adjust. Remember, your body is now not the same as it was when you were in your 20s.
Engage Yourself in Some Activity or the Other Every Single Day
It’s easy to get stronger, fitter, and healthier only if you abide by a set of plans regularly. Aerobic activity of around 150 hours every week is highly recommended for individuals who are aged 50 years or above. You can follow it up with muscle strengthening sessions, preferably two times a week. From martial arts and rock climbing to yoga and jogging, you can treat your body to such moderate exercises. Aside from that, brisk walking is beneficial for your health. You should learn to keep it simple rather than engaging in heavy workouts. Just staying active for around 30 to 45 minutes every day will boost the quality and longevity of your life.
Training Is Better Than Exercising
Differentiate between exercise and training just like you differentiate between chalk and cheese. Exercising boosts how you are feeling today. But, as far as training is concerned, it’s more like a planned procedure to accomplish a future goal that you have set for yourself. Workouts have little connection with each other. Hence, the progress is minimal. However, for people aged 50 and above, boosting your performance at a particular rate requires consistent training. Confusing body muscles is a strict no-no. Setting short-term and long-term goals for every single workout is a must before you embark on your fitness journey. Keeping the future in mind is the key to success. Take baby steps and inch towards your goal gradually.
Listen To What Your Body Has To Say
When people are in their 50s, they need to identify the thin line that divides rejuvenating their body adequately and putting it under stress. Working out with weights is not the solution for individuals of your age since any kind of injury can harm the prospects and derail you from the road to fitness. Smart training is the word. It is not about quitting your workout. It’s like altering your routine a bit and slowly yet surely adjusting to it. The body will respond positively if you do things correctly. Extreme exertion is what you need to stay away from at any cost because again, you might not have the right strength anymore — you could end up hurting yourself! Remember, you are not a professional athlete. Hence, don’t torture yourself.
If you are not enjoying your workout sessions and don’t have a smile on your face, you are probably going in the wrong direction. Choose something you love doing and stick to it. People aged 50 and above can play soccer, go for cycling with their grandkids, or engage themselves in swimming. You can do whatever you feel like, but you need to continue with a particular activity regularly. Otherwise, you might not be able to see the results you wish to see.