Life after 40 is a journey filled with wisdom, experiences, and newfound confidence. It’s a time to celebrate the incredible woman you’ve become. But as the years go by, maintaining your health and well-being becomes increasingly important. One key ingredient for staying fabulous? You guessed right : Exercising regularly! I understand that exercising after 40 can be a bit intimidating especially if you have never exercised before, but it is never too late to get started! In this blog post, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why exercising 3 times a week is not just good but ESSENTIAL for your health and overall well-being, especially as you are getting older.
1.Boost Your Metabolism and Manage Weight
The metabolism slowdown that often accompanies aging can lead to weight gain. But fear not, because exercise can be your secret weapon! Engaging in regular physical activity like walking, strength or cardio training in the water or on land will boost your metabolism. The more you build muscle, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day, making it easier to manage your weight, it’s worth trying it out!
2.Strengthen Your Bones and Muscles
As we age, the risk of osteoporosis and muscle loss increases especially for women (sigh). Regular low impact exercise with added resistance (reminder: water resistance counts as resistance!) can help combat these issues. It enhances bone density and muscle strength, reducing the risk of injuries or sore joints while keeping you strong and active.
3.Enhance your Mental Health and Mood
Life can throw its share of challenges your way, and your 40s may come with added stressors, big kids mean bigger problems, work can get really intense and we might have to help our parents who are not getting younger… Exercise is a natural mood booster, releasing endorphins that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Plus, it promotes better sleep (sleeping like a baby after class is definitely one of the reason why some of our loyal clients come back) giving you the mental clarity needed to tackle life’s demands with a positive attitude. Btw, if falling asleep is an issue for you, I wrote an article worth reading!
4.Prevent Diseases and Keep your Heart Healthy
Your heart deserves some extra love in your 40s. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death for women. Studies show that aerobic activities such as swimming or cycling (why not doing both at the same time – AQUA CYCLING!) are particularly effective in keeping your heart strong.
5.Boost Your Confidence and Feel Empowered
Finally, exercising 150 minutes a week isn’t just about following the WHO guidelines or about the physical benefits. It’s also a powerful confidence booster. Achieving your fitness goals, whether it’s running a 5K (like some of our team members did last December), mastering a 1 minute sprint in aggressive position, or doing 32 tuck jumps without pain the next day, empowers you. The sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you’re taking control of your health significantly boosts your self-esteem, and who doesn’t want that?
Your 40s are an incredible time in your life, and staying healthy and vibrant is key to enjoying every moment to the fullest. Exercise in your 40s should really be your best friend, offering numerous benefits that go way beyond “looking good”. It’s about feeling confident, strong, and empowered. So, put on this swimsuit, grab a workout buddy if you like, and dedicate 150 minutes a week to exercise. Your health and well-being are worth every minute, and remember, you’re fabulous no matter your age!
Alicia xx