Persons who exercise face a different set of challenges at middle age than they do when they’re younger. In fact, that’s one of the more frustrating things about continued fitness. It seems that the older you get, the more obstacles you have to overcome in order to ensure good health and avoid injuries. For some, these pile up to the point where the problems seem insurmountable.
Take our word on this, though: they’re not insurmountable. We acknowledge that there are those who are prohibited from taking part in intensive exercise due to medical issues, but simple middle or old age does not make exercise impossible. You have to take certain precautions that you maybe didn’t think about when you were in your 20s, but these typically require only slight adjustments. So that you might continue your exercise well into middle age, consider some of the insights included in a new report out of New York.
One thing that you should do on a regular basis is go in to see a physician to determine if there are any underlying health issues that need to be identified. Cardiovascular problems are the big worry you need to watch out for, as too much intensive exercise can actually stress your body to the point where the workout is bad for your heart. If you speak to your doctor, you should be able to identify this problem and others and learn how you might exercise while avoiding an exacerbation of your current health woes.
Although this is the age where you may become set in your ways, that doesn’t mean you should be set in your weights. Your body can benefit immensely when you switch things up on a regular basis. In fact, this can reduce injury risks because you won’t tax one part of your body excessively while ignoring another part.
If you’ve always enjoyed running, those years and decades of striking the ground can finally start to add up around middle age. You may be sorer than you ever remember being after such a workout, just because you’ve asked a lot of your legs over the course of time.
Give your body a break by switching up your cardio routine, even if the switch is temporary. If you go for a swim, you’re still getting a cardio workout, but you’re giving your legs the chance to relax from impact damage. An elliptical machine or a stationary bike could also be the answer. Make sure you take some time to use weights in order to develop strength, as this is something that you’ll definitely be thankful for when middle age turns to old age.
Finally, realize that you’re not going to bounce back the way you used to. If you’re exhausted or excessively sore, give your body plenty of time to recuperate. Don’t push yourself to the point where you’re going to be miserable, as down that path lies a serious injury.