Endurance, Flexibility, Balance and Strength

Endurance, Flexibility, Balance and Strength are all very important parts in becoming fit after 40 and staying healthy.

These are all part of exercise, so you can work on all of these in your daily routine. Let’s talk about the meaning of each.

Endurance exercise increases your heart rate and stamina which helps you to do your everyday tasks. It improves your overall health and helps prevent diseases that are known for people 40 and over. This is something you should work on daily if possible. Activities that help build endurance include:

• Brisk Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Swimming
• Gardening
• Aerobics

Flexibility also called stretching exercise is the ability to move joints and muscles through their full range of motion, which increases blood circulation. This makes you more limber and for physical activity. You should always stretch before and after exercise. Hold your stretch for at least 20 seconds. Flexibility helps prevents injury from exercising and everyday tasks. As you age over 40 your muscles tend to be a little stiff.
Activities that help build flexibility include:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Stretching all different parts of your body.

Balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium against the force of gravity. In other words, balance helps your stability. Having balance also helps prevent falls and injuries. As you grow older that is a major concern. Activities that help build balance include:

• Standing on one foot (use a chair)
• Practice walking in a straight line

Strength Training is exercising with goal to increase you physical strength. It is excellent for the body as it build muscle, changes body shape which will give you more definition. What is nice about building muscle, it takes up less room and you burn more calories. How great is that? After age 40 your bone density decreases which puts you at risk for osteoporosis. Activities that help build muscle include.

• Weight lifting (can be 3 pounds) or use soup cans
• Push Weights
• Exercise Machines

Remember that all of these are important factors for fitness after 40. Everybody is different, so you have to do what you can, and always consult with your physician first before starting any physical activity routine.

Below is a list of just some of the benefits you gain from building in these areas:

• Walk on an uneven sidewalk without falling
• Walk up and down stairs
• Bend over to tie you shoes
• Carry laundry and groceries
• Weight Loss
• Feel good about yourself

Start slow and try to work on these areas at least 2 to 3 times a week, and I’m sure you will rake of the benefits of being fit and healthy after age 40!

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