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Aging is a unique experience. For some, the effects will present themselves sooner rather than later, and for some who are luckier, the “aches and pains” and won’t present themselves as prominently.

Click Here to see the Complete List of Best Workouts for People Over 40

Either way, exercise will remain an important part of your daily routine for a handful of different reasons.
“In your 40s, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to form, posture and strength,” said Lisa Corsello, fitness expert and Founder of Burn Pilates in California.

• Pilates offers a full-body workout that builds strength and improves flexibility, making it an especially great option for those who want to stay fit and healthy as they age. “One component that makes this work different and perfect for us as we age is one of Joseph Pilates’ basic philosophies,” explained Tom Gesimondo, an instructor at True Pilates New York. “He believed that you work the muscles at maximum efficiency to get the best results — you do not work until the muscle fibers are breaking down. We do limited repetitions of most exercises, usually in the three to five range, but a few properly executed exercises can have more benefit and less harm than the ‘no pain no gain’ philosophy we often hear of.”

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  Click Here to See Best Workouts for People Over 40

• Practicing yoga is another effective way to ensure you’ll maintain your flexibility as you age, as well as a healthy, happy mind. In addition to keeping your joints and muscles nimble and fluid, yoga can also help you build and maintain strength and it’s also a great tool for stress management. Try these simple yoga poses that anyone can do.

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• Todd Bishop, an American Canoe Association stand-up paddleboard instructor named three important components to consider when choosing an exercise activity: mental stimulation, your own personal level of physical fitness and whether or not it can be integrated into your daily life. “For me, at age 41, stand-up paddleboarding accomplishes all of these goals,” he said. “I can take a leisurely paddle for light exercise and relaxation. Or, I can go all out for a set distance or time to get a more vigorous workout and a mind-relaxing endorphin dump. I can even incorporate more advanced strokes to engage my thought process. This helps for those of us that need to be challenged.” The important thing, though, he explained, is that you find an activity that’s fun for you. “That will be what changes your daily routine and ultimately your fitness level,” he added.

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  Click Here to See Best Workouts for People Over 40

• There are several reasons all older adults should include strength training as part of their fitness routine, but it’s especially important because as we age our muscle mass naturally starts to diminish. Additionally, if part of your goal involves fat loss, strength training will play an important role in helping you achieve that feat. “A common misconception is that cardio is the answer to fat loss,” explained Billy Polson, C.S.C.S. trainer and owner of DIAKADI Fitness Performance Facility in San Francisco. He said that when it comes to successfully losing fat, nutrition should be your first priority, followed by strength training. “The great metabolism boost and hormonal output in the body from strength training makes it far more valuable than a cardio workout for fat burning any day of the week,” he said. (To be clear, strength training can consist of any type of weight bearing exercise like weight lifting, bodyweight exercises, resistance band training or TRX training.)

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• This relatively new piece of training equipment is by no means traditional and may not be available to everyone, but it’s certainly a smart and effective option for those with limitations or injuries. “The over 40 crowd should seek exercises and fitness routines that build you, not break you,” said Kevin Rausch, owner of Rausch PT in California. “Things that build cardio fitness without breaking down joint surfaces. Routines that improve posture, flexibility and strength without compromising tissue injuries.” That’s where the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill comes into play. “[It] works wonders in increasing cardio and strength without the intense impact of road or trail-running,” Rausch said. “You can run with knee arthritis, you can work on your core with a disc injury and you can improve.”

  Click Here to See Best Workouts for People Over 40

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Many, especially those who have been working out consistently over the long-term, will be able to keep up with their regular routine. But for those who are getting back into the swing of things after an extended period without exercise, or those who are just starting a new regimen for the very first time, there are a few factors you should keep in mind.

“Choose lower impact modifications when needed, but continue to challenge yourself,” says Corsello. “Incorporate variety into your workouts and don’t be afraid to try new things.”

Not sure where to start? We consulted a handful of fitness experts (some who are part of the “over 40 crowd” themselves) to find out which types of workouts are best for continuing an effective exercise routine as you age.

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— Katie Rosenbrock, The Active Times

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