Keeping fit and active is important at any age but it is especially so when we hit middle age. Once we get into our 40’s then it’s so much more important to keep our bodies in tip-top shape.
What can start to happen for many women in their 40’s is they begin to lose muscle mass and put on more fat. This is a bad combination that can lead to all sorts of health issues. Heart problems, obesity, diabetes are just a few things that can be caused by not taking care of your body right now.
So with that being said, the best exercise for 40 plus women can be different for each person, so here are some to choose from.
#1 – Burpees
Whilst it may look like a simple exercise for 40 plus to perform, burpees can help you to burn a lot of calories. If you’ve never tried them before, then you will certainly feel the difference even after doing just a handful of them.
You start from a standing position, with your legs shoulder-width apart. Then crouch down and place your hands on the floor in front of you. Push your legs out behind you to form a plank position. Then bring your feet back up under your body and thrust up to perform a small jump. Then repeat the process.
Burpees provide quite a good full-body workout, along with cardio too.
#2 – Squats
For many women, their backside and legs can be a troublesome area to keep under control. But squats can really help you with this. Such a simple exercise to perform but really effective in keeping the backside and legs toned and in shape.
Start from a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your arms out in front of you for balance. Then bend your legs and lower your body down. Try and keep your back straight and not lean forward. Your knees should be vertical to your feet. Then stand up straight again. Repeat this several times.
If you’ve never done squats before then it won’t take too many before your thighs will begin to burn. Just do what you can each time and then do one or two more the next time you do them.
#3 – Plank
The plank is another super easy exercise to perform but is great for the core muscles of the body.
Simply get on the floor into a press-up position, with your arms straight. Hold that position off the floor and try and keep your whole body as straight as you can. Hold it for as long as you possibly can.
It’s a great exercise for the stomach and core muscles of the body.
#4 – Elliptical Machine Cardio
When we hit 40, there’s a good chance that the joints aren’t as good as they were 10 years ago. That’s why running on a treadmill can be quite uncomfortable for many women. Fortunately, that’s where the elliptical machine comes in and why it can be the best exercise for 40 plus women. It puts almost no pressure at all on the joints but means you can still have an effective cardio workout, from the comfort of your own home.
Just 20-30 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times per week will keep the metabolism burning those pesky calories, keep your weight down and get rid of excess fat that could cause you all sorts of health issues.
#5 – Go For A Walk
And finally, one of the easiest yet effective exercises of them all is to simply get out of your home and go for a walk.
Walking will not put too much pressure on the joints but will help to burn calories and keep you active. Just a 20-minute walk every day will make a big difference to your weight and mood. Fresh air can really improve your mood and get your brain thinking about new things.
Make it a habit to head out of the home every day and walk to different places. This will prevent it from becoming boring and you’ll enjoy seeing new places, things and people on your journey.
Summary
When it comes to the best exercise for 40 plus woman, the main thing to keep in mind is just choosing one that suits you and your body and doing it on a regular basis. Just 20-30 minutes a day is all you need to keep your body in shape and to be the best version you can be.
