Beginning An Exercise Program Over 40

When you begin an exercise program and you are over 40 years old, then there are a couple of details that you will need to address.  First, see your doctor to evaluate your ability to tolerate the type of program you are planning.  There are times when a condition lies dormant or is sub-clinical, which means you don’t know you have it and can silently do more damage when you engage in a vigorous exercise program.

Secondly, you will need to address the ‘clothing’ issue.  Society is run by the youth and teens and junior clothing is ‘in’ while women’s clothing is difficult to find or exposes too much skin to make us comfortable.  Find clothing that is appropriate for the type of exercise, the place and that you find comfortable.  Clothing won’t make you work out harder or a better athlete but if you are comfortable while working out you may workout longer!

Statistically more than 60% of women don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity and there are one in four that aren’t active at all.  But the benefits of exercise and physical activity are well documented.  Women who begin an exercise program over 40 reap the benefits of lower cholesterol, lower risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Studies have found that if you begin an exercise program in your mid-30’s through 40’s you are more likely to be physically active after menopause than if you are sedentary as you reach menopause.  Exercise after 40 is the best reason you’ll live longer.

The number one barrier that women cite for not beginning an exercise program is because of the lack of time.  Unfortunately that may be due to the belief that the program must be intense, hard and grinding – something that leaves you spent and aching the next day.  Let’s face it though – you aren’t training for an Olympic event.  You are only working your body so that you can gain the health benefits of a strong fit body.

You need as little as 30 minutes each day.  When you begin an exercise program over 40 don’t get hung up over the time or intensity.  The most important thing is to be consistent and flexible in your approach. This isn’t an all or nothing issue.