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Is it possible to be fit at 50? Can you really get healthier with age? Absolutely!
The first tip is to start now.
Whether you are 32, 47 or 53 – get started now. Being fit and healthy is something you work towards daily, it is a goal without a finish line, a way of life. Set an intention and make a promise to yourself that you will move more and eat (at least a little bit) healthier each day. When today is done, wipe the slate clean and start again tomorrow.
Truth is, we will never get back to the physique or energy levels of our 20s, but as we head into our 40 and 50s we still have lots of muscle left to build on. Our bodies are very resilient and will adapt to an increase in activity or the introduction of strength training – even in our 50s. It is possible to start now and be fit at 50 or even start in our 50s and get healthier as we age
The reality of aging is that our bodies begin to lose lean muscle at a faster rate as we hit our 50s and 60s and the best way to combat this and get healthier with age is staying active and eating more protein.
Research shows we need more essential amino acids from protein to build new muscle and help repair muscle damage after exercise; this is even more important as you age.
The old saying “Move it or Lose it” has some merit. Getting the recommended 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5 days a week can be as easy as adding a daily walk into your routine. Walk to the grocery store, up the stairs instead of using the elevator, walk to dog, meet a friend to walk to the coffee shop. Be creative but be active. Walking is an effective way to Reduce the risk of heart disease Improve Mood reducing stress and anxiety, Tone Muscles, increase energy and lose or maintain weight.
Increase the intensity for even more benefit. Using a fitness tracker you can set a pace, increase your distance and make your daily walk a workout that will have you fit at 50 and well beyond.
Strength training in your 40s and 50s is essential to not only slowing down the aging process of muscle loss (also known as sarcopenia), but also to improving your fitness level. You are working against the normal body function of age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia. It begins in your 30s and 40s and you will lose an increasing amount out muscle tissues as you age unless you start doing strength exercises now. It doesn’t mean you have to lift crazy weights but you do have to challenge your muscles. Anything that will exert strength and help you build muscle as you age is guaranteed to keep you fit at 50.
As we age our protein needs change and to slow the aging process and get healthier as we age we require more from our protein sources. Add a protein smooth.png)
ie to your morning or post workout. Make sure your lunch, dinner and any snacks are all high in protein. By making protein your focus you will ensure you diet is getting healthier with age and help your muscles reverse the affects of aging.
Understanding the importance of protein in your diet as you age is crucial to making healthy nutrition choices.
