fitness over 40 tips?

Question

I started a consistent program of exercise over a year ago, at age 42 and have been pleased with the results. One thing that might be different now than my teenage years is every couple weeks I need to take a day or two off to heal up my lower back, knees, ankles or all of the above. I think regular stretching would be a good idea. I don't currently do that. Other 40-somethings out there got any tips for saving your joints? Thanks!

Answer 1

You must do stretches before and after excercise, also try alternating between swimming and gym work. Make sure you warm up and down and it will definately save your joints.
The more persistant you are with excercise the healthier and stronger your limbs and bones will be.

Answer 2

It would be a good start to have a word with your gym instructor. Its generally accepted that you shouldn't necessarily excercise every day using the same muscles so that you give them time to rest and repair. Its important to excercise so as to maintain muscle and, importantly bone density. If you have injuries to joints, its important the move them, but not to put them under any stress. Swiming is an excellent all round excercise as the water supports the body and your joints. In terms of stretching, there are no benefits of stretching before excercise, but you should do a gentle warm up. For example, if you are running, walk for 5-10 minutes first. Stretching after excercise is VITAL.

Answer 3

You don't say what your program is, so its hard to say. Athletic performance doesn't fall off as quickly with age as people think. I've noticed two things:

1. Recovery from high volume weeks or hard track sessions takes a little longer than it did at 20.

2. Stuff hurts when I hit the floor in the morning. It feels OK after I've been running for a half hour or so.

I've never found stretching to be of much use.

I'm 54

Answer 4

Age is not the decider here. Diet nutrition, and how well you've taken care of yourself in your youth will determine your over 40 health. Pretty hard to make up for years of poor diet, exercise, drinking, or high fatty eating. I know lots of over 40 men and women who are never sore or have to take days off. So it's not your age--it's your level of fitness. My friend who's 58, runs 5 miles a day, bikes 100 miles over a weekend, and does decathalons. His joints are fine because he's been in shape for the past 30 yrs.

Answer 5

Congratulations on being fit!

See a phisotherapist for the best kind of stretches and exercises for your joints; he or she may even tell you what kind of exercises would be more beneficial for your joints in the future (if you jog he or she may suggest cycling or walking). Make sure you have a healthy diet with a lot of calcium, protein and carbohydrates.

Answer 6

Ive heard aqua aerobics are good 4 that no strain on joints and water resistance is good exercise

Answer 7

Check the following diet tips
http://tips4diet.com/

Download Diet Reminder Application it may help
http://tips4diet.com/dietreminder.aspx

Try to have a diet Quiz to increase your diet Information
http://tips4diet.com/dietquiz.aspx

Also use Diet Calculator
http://tips4diet.com/calculator.aspx

Best Wishes,
Have a Nice Day

Answer 8

swimming