You can’t turn on the television or open a magazine without being reminded that exercise is essential for good health. If you are over the age of 40, you may think that it’s too late to jump on the exercise bandwagon. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s never too late to start exercising and becoming more physically active.

Let’s take a look at the top 4 tips for starting exercise over the age of 40 so that you can dramatically change your life.

4. Visit Your Doctor or Chiropractor

You see the suggestion of visiting you primary care physician attached to nearly every activity or product you want to try so you always turn a blind eye to it. This time should be the exception.

Visiting your doctor or chiropractor for a check-up is going to help you figure out the following:

• Medical issues that should be taken into consideration before starting exercise
• Your physical limitations such as previous surgeries or injuries
• Cardiometabolic factors to focus on
• The intensity level that is appropriate for your heart rate / blood pressure

This is valuable information that will help you exercise at an appropriate level for safety and efficiency. It will also be great information to pass along to the person in number 3.

3. Hire a Trainer for a Month

The fitness industry is changing every day. The exercises that were recommended for you 20 years ago may have been phased out. There are new and safer ways to perform exercises you may already be familiar with such as the push-up or squat. The fact is that if you haven’t been exercising for years or you never started, you need to be brought up to speed by a professional.

By hiring a personal trainer, even for only a month, you will learn how to safely and correctly perform some of the most effective exercises for muscle building, fat loss, and overall health.

2. Take it Easy

When you start exercising, you’re going to be bombarded with information from every angle. Exercises you need to be doing. Foods you need to avoid. Supplements you must be taking. It’s enough to make your head spin.

Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the flood of information and suggestions around you. You need to start out slow and work your way up. You’ll discover what works for YOU. That includes exercises, meal plans, and supplements.

If you buy into every single piece of information that’s thrown at you, then there’s a good chance you’ll feel overwhelmed and fall off the bandwagon.

1. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when you start doing any new hobby or activity. When you’re just starting out, it doesn’t matter if you can perform a hardcore weight training workout for 2 hours. What you should be focusing on is that you are going on the same days and times each week.

Set yourself up for success by dedicating yourself to 3 days per week of gym or class time. Even if you only go for 30 minutes, that’s fine. Keep going on those days during those times. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to form a new habit so once you get into the routine of going to the gym, you can start increasing other acute variables such as duration and intensity.

Tell Us What You Think!

Did you start exercising when you were in your 40s?

We want to hear from you!

Tell us about your personal tips and tricks that brought you success in the comments section below!