Do you think you’re past your prime to get in shape? Maybe you feel like the days of you being able to workout are long gone?

Too many adults write off starting a fitness program because they simply believe that it’s too late for them. They should have taken action sooner when they were in their 20’s and 30’s, but now that they’re in their 40’s, 50’s, or even 60’s, there’s just no hope.

This is not the case.

In fact, it’s more important now than ever for you to get moving and start working on your fitness level. While you may not exercise at the same intensity level or frequency as someone who’s in their 20’s and looking to create a dramatic transformation, it’s perfectly possible to still get started on a good workout program no matter what your age is.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your mindset! Age is but a number!

Let’s go over a few of the biggest reasons why it’s never too late to start and why you must begin right now.

Exercise Promotes Stronger Bones

If stronger bones isn’t a reason to exercise regularly, I’m not sure what is. Getting started with a strength training program in your 30’s and 40’s can make a remarkable difference on your bone strength when you are in your 60’s and 70’s.

Bone breaks are one of the most common injuries among older adults and you need to be doing all that you can to prevent it. While it’s true that the vast majority of bone density is built in your growing teenager and young adult years, make no mistake about it, you will still be experiencing bone remodeling and growth into your later years as well.

Exercise Gives You Functional Strength

Another important reason to start exercising is because it’ll give you functional strength. Imagine how it will feel if you start to lose the ability to perform tasks that you used to do?

What if you could no longer open the cap of a bottle you got so weak? Or if you needed help to carry in groceries from the car?

While you may think that this happens to only those who are very old and into their 80’s and 90’s, this isn’t so. It can happen sooner than you think.

As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it. You must continually work on building your muscles stronger in order to sustain the strength you need to do these daily activities.

Strength training can help. With just two to three, 20-30 minute sessions per week, you can maintain all the strength you have – and possibly even gain more strength on top of that. It really is the best way to keep active as you get older.

Exercise Keeps Your Brain Healthy

Not only is exercise good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind! Exercise can help to keep your brain stronger, improving your focus, concentration, memory, and cognitive processing speeds.

Plus, exercise is great for combating stress. If you find that you are getting more stressed on a regular basis as you get older thanks to a demanding career and family obligations, exercise can be one of the best ways to deal with this.

Exercise Gives You Self-Confidence

Finally, exercise is also a great confidence booster. Nothing will make you feel as good about yourself as seeing your body shaping up, firming up, and getting lean. Exercise can also help you feel empowered when you achieve the physical feats that you didn’t think were possible.

It can be very addicting once you get started, so it’s all about getting the ball rolling in the first place.

5 Tips For Older Exercisers

Now that you see why you should start exercising no matter what your age happens to be, how do you get started? Let’s look at five great tips for late bloomers.

  • Ease in slowly – take it at your own pace. This isn’t a race. Go at a speed you’re comfortable with.
  • Alternate one day of exercise with one day off. This will allow plenty of time for recovery and ensure your body adapts to the exercise being done.
  • Focus on optimal nutrition. Remember you need to eat to support this new activity in your life.
  • Consider non-weight baring activities in the beginning. If you are currently experiencing joint pain, these will be the best ones to ease into it.
  • Get the help you need. Don’t be afraid to sign up with a personal trainer. They can give you the guidance you may require.

Remember, it’s all about your mindset! It’s never too late to start!

Was this article helpful? Share your thoughts below in the comments!