By Sherry Schoenecker, Member Services Representative at Elite Sports Club-Brookfield
No, you’re not the same person you were when you were 25 years old.
You have had kids, run a business, volunteered, and done many other things by the time you turn 50 years of age. But through smart eating and regular exercise, most women in their mature years are staying fit — and fabulous, especially those at Elite Sports Clubs!
For women over 50, physical activity may help tame some of the symptoms of menopause — hot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Exercise also helps reduce your risks for heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes, helps control weight, and even melts belly fat.
Many difficulties of aging are linked to an inactive lifestyle. And while your chronological age may be 55, your biological age can be 35 — if you follow a consistent exercise program.
That’s why, “if exercise could be bottled, everyone would take it,” says Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. He adds that the effects of exercise are so potent, it influences every physiological system in the body for the better!
Your Changing Body Over 50
The American Association of Retired Persons points out that after the age of 50, you lose muscle mass at the rate of about half a pound per year — especially if you don’t exercise to retain it. You are also susceptible to bone weakening, often caused by osteoporosis. Strength training and weight-bearing cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, jogging or hiking, can help you maintain bone density and prevent frailty.
A Gradual Progression
Assess your current level of fitness by looking at the level of activity that you do now; then increase the intensity, frequency and length of your workouts gradually over time. For example, if you have been exercising for 30 minutes twice a week at a moderate level, you could add a third session during the week and maintain the same duration and intensity of your workouts. With over 250+ free group exercise classes offered each week between our five locations, Elite Sports Clubs has the perfect mix to keep your workouts fun and effective.
Finding Reasons to Exercise
Every little bit of movement counts, so move, if even it’s just a little. If you’re too busy for a regular workout, look for opportunities to be in motion. Research shows that a significant number of health benefits come from the extra steps you take during each day.
Warming Up and Cooling Down
There are some precautions to consider when starting or re-starting an exercise program, however. As you get older, it takes more time for your body to warm up before exercise. Depending on your level of fitness, a brisk walk or a gentle jog will raise your heart rate and warm up your muscles. Stretch your muscles for 10 to 15 seconds each, easing into each stretch. To cool down, slow your activity over a period of five to 10 minutes and gently stretch the muscles that you have used. This will help reduce muscle soreness after exercising or treat yourself to a soothing massage by contacting Elite’s SMART Clinic for an appointment.
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