The Active-Ager Lifestyle
I’m in my 50’s and I have a pretty active lifestyle. Every week I lift weights, hike &/or run trails, and also stretch and roll. This active life keeps me not only happy, but it also keeps me fit. Along with my workouts, I also eat as healthy as I can, so I have the energy to workout and live my best life. This pretty much sums up an Active-Ager (AA). Maybe you’re not quite as active as I am, or maybe you haven’t been working out for awhile (possibly never), but this doesn’t mean you can’t be an Active Ager, this just means you need to get started so you can feel fabulous!
This is pretty surprising, but loss of muscle and strength starts in your mid 30’s. The more active you are, the more you will slow down this aging process. This is why you need to be more active. But, maybe you are feeling your age. Do you having pain in your knees? Does your back hurt? Maybe it’s your hips that you feel every day. Do you have arthritis? I talk to many who feel getting older sucks! They hate the aches and pains that come with it. Well, it’s time to train differently so you can slow the aging process and improve on those aches and pains. Exercise is the #1 remedy for slowing the aging process. Even a small amount of exercise will improve it. I have spinal stenosis and sciatica, and believe me, this gets in the way of my fun! But, I needed to slow down and learn how to take care of my back so that I can function in my later years. I have learned to weight train, hike trails, and still do a bit of trail running that’s in a safe way for my back (more about this later). We need to keep moving, but a bit differently than we did in our 20’s and 30’s.
It is necessary for Active Agers to have some form of cardio, weight training, stretching, and really good nutrition. And, you need to be doing all four of these every week, not just every once in awhile! I recommend cardio 3-4 days a week (if not more!), weight training 2-3 days a week, and stretching at least 3 times a week (or after each workout).
Check out my sister, Tracie, and I going zip lining and hiking mountains during my trip to see her in Idaho. We had such a blast (even though the zip lining made me a bit scared!). Trying new activities is a fun way to get in your exercise too.
It’s time to live your best life no matter what your age! What activities do you do to stay active and healthy? I’d love to hear from you!
Be fit, be healthy, be happy.
Teri
