If you're over 40 and looking to boost your fitness, you're in the right place. Conditioning exercises are essential for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall health as you age. But which conditioning exercises are the best? Are specific exercises better in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond? To answer these questions, we spoke with Kyrie Furr, CPT, a certified personal trainer and performance coach with Barbend, who shares her top 10 conditioning exercises to do after 40. These movements will help you stay active, vibrant, and injury-free well into your later years.
As you age, engaging in exercises that improve cardiovascular health, balance, and muscle tone becomes increasingly important. Studies show that adults who engage in consistent aerobic and resistance training can reduce their chance of suffering from falls and fractures, and their chronic disease risk, all while improving their overall quality of life as they age. Incorporating the following conditioning exercises into your routine can help you combat the natural effects of aging, such as sarcopenia (natural loss of muscle mass) and reduced flexibility.
Regardless of your fitness level, you can customize the following movements to suit your goals. Keep reading for Furr's 10 best conditioning exercises to help you thrive after 40 and for many years to come.
1. Brisk Walking: Brisk walking is an excellent low-impact cardiovascular exercise for those over 40. According to a 2021 review, this activity helps improve heart health, strengthens bones, and aids in weight management. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
2. Cycling: Cycling is another low-impact exercise that provides a fantastic cardiovascular workout while being gentle on the joints. Whether you prefer outdoor biking or a stationary bike, research suggests cycling can help improve endurance, leg strength, and overall fitness. Perform this activity three to five times weekly for 30 to 60 minutes per session.
3. Swimming: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that's easy on the joints and suitable for all fitness levels. A 2015 study found that swimming regularly can boost cardiovascular health, tone muscles, and enhance flexibility. Aim for swimming two to three times per week for 30 to 45 minutes per session.
4. Resistance Band Training: Resistance bands are ideal for those over 40 since they're easy on the joints and allow you to perform a wide range of exercises that target multiple muscle groups. Plus, they're a convenient and effective way to build strength and improve muscle tone. Do resistance band training two to three times per week, performing two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps per exercise.
5. Bodyweight Circuit Training: Bodyweight circuit training combines strength and cardio exercises into one stellar workout. This type of exercise helps improve overall fitness, build muscle strength, and boost metabolism without taking too much time away from your day. Aim for two or three weekly sessions, completing three to four circuits with 10 to 15 reps per exercise.
6. Yoga: Besides yoga's well-known health benefits like better flexibility, increased strength, and stress reduction, it can also improve your balance and posture—two essential components of healthy aging. Do two or three weekly yoga sessions, attending classes or following online videos for 30 to 60 minutes per session.
7. Pilates: Pilates is another excellent choice for improving core strength, stability, and flexibility, benefiting those 40 and beyond. Perform two or three times per week, participating in classes or guided sessions for 45 to 60 minutes each.
8. Rowing: Rowing is another low-impact, full-body workout that's particularly effective for strengthening the upper body, core, and legs while improving joint health and cardiovascular well-being. Aim for two or three 20 to 30-minute sessions per week.
9. Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese practice and a gentle exercise focusing on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. It can improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation while enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress. Do it two or three times per week, attending classes or practicing for 30 to 60 minutes per session.
10. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and brief periods of rest or lower-intensity activity. This type of exercise is a killer way to boost cardiovascular fitness, torch calories, and speed up your metabolism. Perform two or three 20 to 30-minute HIIT sessions per week.
In conclusion, staying active and incorporating conditioning exercises into your routine is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age. The 10 exercises mentioned above, including brisk walking, cycling, swimming, resistance band training, bodyweight circuit training, yoga, pilates, rowing, Tai Chi, and HIIT, can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program and listen to your body to avoid injury. Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration as your fitness level improves. Embrace these conditioning exercises and thrive after 40 and beyond!
