How to Get into a Consistent Exercise Routine After Your 40s

Are you in the fabulous 40s club? What about the fiery fifties? Sexy sixties? Well, no matter your age, if you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about kickstarting a new exercise routine. Maybe you’ve been a fitness fanatic in your younger years, or perhaps this is your first foray into the wonderful world of workouts. 

No matter your age or how you look, it’s always important to focus on a healthier lifestyle the older you get. It’s not just about your appearance, but generally speaking, it’s also about how healthy you are.

But maybe you’re seeing super young fitness influencers online, or maybe you just physically can’t do what they can do. Maybe it’s way too physically demanding, or you could even be at risk of hiring yourself. Well, all of this is completely understandable. So, it’s more about having a consistent exercise routine that works with you, so no, it doesn’t need to be anything fast-paced like a marathon. So, where do you even start?

Why Exercise After 40?

First off, why even bother? Our bodies are like fine wine—they get better with age, but only if we take care of them. Yes, the key is to take care of them (technically, it’s the same for wine, too). So that means that regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass, keep our hearts healthy, improve flexibility, and even boost our mood. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and have a bit of fun! The older you get, usually the more challenging it is to make friends, so this is a great way.

So, it might help to know how to calculate body fat percentage. This can give you a nice point of reference for how much fat your body has, how much muscle your body has, and what your joints will be able to do. So, why not BMI? Well, it’s a very flawed system compared to body fat percentage. Basically, with BMI, you could be super muscular, and the system still states you’re overweight, even though that’s 100% not true.

Go Ahead and Start Slow and Steady

Gone are the days of jumping headfirst into a high-intensity workout without a warm-up. The key to success now is to start slow and steady. Begin with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. 

These exercises are kind on the joints and can be easily adjusted to fit your fitness level. So, it’s ideal to just gradually increase the intensity and duration as your body adapts. Remember the joints were mentioned earlier, well that includes your knees too!

Find What You Love

One of the best ways to stick to an exercise routine is to find something you genuinely enjoy. Hate running? Don’t do it! Love dancing? Then why not sign up for a Zumba class? Basically, exercising and a routine isn’t some one-size-fits-all, no matter who tries to tell you that it is. Basically, the options are endless—yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, or even a sport you enjoyed in your younger years. The more fun you have, the more likely you are to stick with it.

You’ll Have to Schedule It In

Life after 40 can be busy. Just think about it: between work, family, and social commitments, finding time to exercise can feel like a juggling act. The trick is to schedule it. Treat your workouts like any other important appointment. Block out time in your calendar and stick to it. 

Morning person? Then why not get your exercise done first thing? Night owl? Hit the gym after work (if time permits it). But overall, just try to find a time that works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your day.

Listen to Your Body

Your body is pretty good at telling you what it needs—so listen to it! So, are you feeling sore? Then you absolutely need to take a rest day. Are you noticing a bit of discomfort in your knee? Well, in that case, don’t push through the pain. It’s better to take a day off than to risk an injury that could side-line you for weeks. Rest and recovery are just as important as the workouts themselves.

Always Keep Mixing It Up

As we all know and have heard multiple times, variety is the spice of life, and that goes for exercise, too. Mixing up your workouts can prevent boredom and keep your body guessing. Try alternating between cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This not only makes things more interesting but also ensures a well-rounded fitness routine.