The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 50

Working out after 50 may look a little different than it did for you in your earlier years. For some, you may need to tweak your old workout routine to adjust to your current physical needs and for others, you might be just starting to work out. Big names in fitness like Joe Rogan have shown that working out after 50 can have a tremendous benefit on your health and overall well-being and for good reason. Many don’t realize that while exercise is important at every stage of life, it has a significant effect on those over 50. As your body ages many changes come about, some of which can be degenerative and even debilitating – the good news is – exercise can help slow, prevent, and even reverse many of these issues. 

Prevents Bone Loss

The bad news is everyone loses bone density as they age, with post-menopausal women losing up to 2% of bone density with each passing year. The good news is strength training has been shown to counter this loss and even restore bone density. Stronger bones mean a lower risk of fractures and can also aid in maintaining your overall balance. 

Relieves Osteoarthritis Pain

Exercise can help to help lessen the pain and stiffness of arthritis. If you have any form of arthritis you may feel hesitant to work out, but arthritis-friendly exercises such as low-impact cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and range-of-motion exercises can greatly reduce your pain levels. This is because it strengthens the surrounding muscles and in turn takes the pressure off aching joints. Physical activity can also help ease joint inflammation, which reduces pain and stiffness.

It Improves Coordination and Prevents Falls

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors and are easily preventable with the right exercise program that works to improve physical strength and balance. 

Exercise reduces your risk of falling because it helps to improve your coordination as well as strengthens your muscles and bones. Consider body-weight exercises, resistance training, weight training, and workouts that focus on building your core.

Prevent Chronic Disease

Exercise provides a protective effect against a wide variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. For those who may already have a chronic condition, physical activity can help minimize symptoms. 

As you age, maintaining a healthy heart is especially important in avoiding heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and other health issues. Any form of exercise including light cardiovascular exercise will help immensely. 

Best Fitness Equipment for Seniors

If you’re new to working out or have physical restrictions consider looking into a treadmill, curved treadmill, or for those with knee issues – an elliptical machine or recumbent bike. Weight training is also an excellent workout choice for those over 50 and can be done easily with a few free weights such as dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells. For those less experienced with weightlifting adding an adjustable bench is advisable. 

Don’t forget you can also finance your gym equipment purchase with Affirm or one of our other many financing options.