As you enter your 40s, it’s more important than ever to take care of your body, health, and fitness level. Even if you’ve never worked out before, there are several exercises for women over 40 that can be done to help you get fit and reach the fitness levels you desire.
From workout routines for women in their 40s and getting in shape at 40 to the best fitness exercises to help your reach your goals, here’s how to start getting fit after 40:
Yoga
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If you’re wondering how to start getting fit after 40, one of the best exercise routines to do is yoga. This is because it is a low-impact workout that is easy for someone who is not used to intense physical activity and is a great way to maintain form, strengthen the core, and stretch the muscles increasing flexibility and releasing tension.
Resistance training
Via: Rejuvage – Exercises for women 40
Resistance training is a form of exercise that works on helping you gain functional strength while burning the most number of calories you need. This is a perfect physical activity starting at your 30s and is even a great way to tone up after 40.
A typical workout routine for women over 40 could include the following:
- Squats
- Bench press
- Bent over rows
- Leg press
- Shoulder press
- Walking lunges
Walking
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As walking is something that anyone can do easily, it is a perfect aerobic exercise for 40-year-old women to do. It can help burn calories, tone the body, improve the mood, and aid in getting in shape at 40.
Planks
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Planks aren’t just a great exercise to help you stay fit in your 40s, but can also help reduce and prevent back pain. In order to get the best results, you can work your way up towards being able to hold a plank for 90 seconds 3 times a week.
Strength training
Via: Health Engine – Exercises for women 40
It’s very common for women over 40 to experience joint pain and develop arthritis. That’s why many people opt for an over-40 weight training program using dumbbells. Simple strength training includes deadlifts or overhead presses using 1-3 kg dumbells twice a week to get in shape after 40 and avoid chronic joint pain.
Jumping rope
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A great way to sneak in a form of cardio and get the heart rate elevated is by using a simple form of cardio such as jumping rope. It is one of the perfect exercises for women in their 40s as it can be easily done anywhere and can help burn calories.
Elliptical machine
Via: Real Homes – Exercises for women 40
If you’re heading to the gym and looking for a simple workout routine to help you stay fit in your 40s, then an elliptical machine is about to be your best friend. This low-impact cardio is a great way for women over 40 to maintain a healthy heart.
