Exercises for Women Over 40
One of the things I have realized as I round the bend looking towards 50 is that my body has changed. Things have set in like back aches, arthritis, joint pain, not to mention incontinence....the struggle is real folks.
But what I have also realized is that my body no longer needs the kind of workout I was doing in my 20's. I am a firm believer that the best thing women can do for themselves in their 40's is strength training. There are so many resources out there that support this.
Now I am not saying that we don't need cardio workouts. We do! Our hearts need it.
BUT we do NOT need to do the long intense workouts that we have trained our minds to believe are best for us. When I was in college and I ate a little more than I should have, I would just run a few more miles (which is totally an unhealthy relationship with exercise).
Well.....running for an hour is NOT going to help us women over 40!
Studies have actually shown that doing long frequent cardio workouts can actually break down your lean muscles and increase production of free radicals. Free radicals are nasty little molecules that create cell damage through oxidation, creating chronic inflammation.
In fact, according to the Huffpost, some research has suggested that a short blast of intense exercise can boost metabolism for the entire day more effectively than a workout that's slow and steady.
Keep in mind, we are talking heart rates up and sweaty bodies. Not a leisure workout.
Based on my research, here is what I have found to be helpful for me.
10 -15 minutes cardio (spinning, jogging, rowing, brisk walk, etc.)
10 -15 minutes strength training
10 minutes ab workout
Here are some resources to help you choose a workout for you!
Be sure and follow my Facebook page where I will be talking more about specific exercises and things to do to eliminate that pesky tummy fat. 👇🏼
