The Wellness Center's Blog

Fitness After 50: Staying Active and Strong

By: Dexter Wellness Center Staff

April 2, 2024, 10:00 am - Categories: Fitness Tips

Enhance your golden years.

Staying active and strong after 50 is more important than ever. Exercise offers a multitude of benefits for mature adults, helping you maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, and boost your overall wellness. Here are some tips to keep you active and strong well past 50:

• Find activities you enjoy: Walking, swimming, dancing, cycling – there are endless options! Choose something you find fun, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Plus, you can find a variety of exercise programs and personalized services here at the center to make your fitness journey even more enjoyable.
• Strength training is key: As we age, muscle mass naturally declines. Strength training helps combat this by building and maintaining muscle, which improves bone health, metabolism, and daily activities. If you need help with strength training or don’t know where to start, personal training can be a great solution to receiving expert guidance and motivation.
• Embrace low-impact workouts: High-impact exercises can be tough on joints. Consider low-impact options like swimming, yoga, or Pilates, which offer a full-body workout without the strain.
• Focus on balance: Balance exercises improve coordination and reduce the risk of falls. Simple exercises like standing on one leg or tai chi can make a big difference.
• Listen to your body: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially when starting a new routine. Gradually increase intensity and duration as your fitness improves.

Consistency is key!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Even small bursts of movement throughout the day can make a difference. Our facility can help you create a safe and effective exercise routine after 50.  We offer a variety of classes, personal training, and support to keep you moving and feeling your best.

For more information on how we can help you with your fitness journey, please visit us in person today.

REFERENCES:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age
https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf