Top Five Tips for Keeping Fit in Your 50s.
36% of people aged 55 and over are physically inactive and the nation’s ageing population is expected to reach 20 million by 2030. The headline for these tips may well say in “your 50s”, but they can of course be applied to all of us, no matter our age. My simple suggestions are:
- Include resistance training in your workout
This type of training strengthens bones and helps to improve your stability and posture. As we age, it is important to keep our bones, muscles and joints strong to ensure we stay mobile, prevent injury and defend against physical conditions such as osteoporosis. I am passionate about this type of training. I am also proud to say we have many clients in their 50s and 60s who, as a result of their own hard work and dedication, are strong enough to, for example, deadlift their own bodyweight, both men and women. They are simply inspirational to all our other members both young and old.
- Stay Functional
We bend, lift, reach, push, twist and pull to perform everyday tasks and we should perform similar movements in the gym and stay away from one dimensional machines. These movements tend to improve if we focus on directional change and are aware of these fundamental movement patterns.
- Eat healthy food
A good gym plan is important but following this with a good nutritional plan is vital. It can help to decrease inflammation, improve digestion, and aid your workout recovery quicker. Other benefits include balancing hormones and improved sleep.
- Vary your Intensity
Our workouts are not just about working hard. Your body responds well to high intensity activity, but being able to control movement, and progress at your own rate while using correct technique, is far more important. Quality not quantity.
- Enjoy your workout
Exercise releases ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins. As your workouts progress and you improve, you will feel a sense of satisfaction and a reward in being fitter and stronger.
If you do your workouts in a community based atmosphere, you will gain an even greater feeling of wellbeing and support from others and we have a strong community at SPFit. Our coaches believe 100% in supporting members to achieve their goals around their busy lifestyle.
So no matter what your age, how healthy, fit and strong do you want to be?