They say that 50 is the new 40, and speaking from past experience, we’re inclined to agree with whomever ‘they’ are.
Okay, it’s safe to say that growing older isn’t a whole heap of fun physically, in terms of your body and fitness levels. Whereas when you were younger you could get away with eating junk, partying, and leading a sedentary lifestyle, as you grow older you’ll realize that things have to change.
For women that are beginning to grow a little longer in the tooth especially, exercise and physical activity is important for a whole host of reasons, which is why we’re talking about fitness activities for women over 50.
Below you’ll find 4 fitness activities that are ideal for women aged 50 or above.
Swimming
The first activity on our list today is swimming. Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise you could wish for, with plenty of resistance-based benefits included for good measure.
Swimming is ideal for those growing older as it is great for burning fat, toning the muscles, and improving wellness in general.
Swimming is perfect because it is a low-impact form of exercise so it doesn’t place any stress on the joints.
For those looking for an enjoyable and productive form of exercise, swimming is ideal.
Walking
Want another fantastic form of cardio that also happens to be low-impact and therefore great for the joints? If so, then walking is ideal.
Walking helps to burn calories, it tones the muscles, it improves aerobic fitness and endurance, plus it gets you out of the house and allows you to enjoy the fresh air.
You can either walk around the block, head to the local park, head out into the countryside, or even join a local hiking group, where you could meet new people and make new friends as you get fit in the process.
Yoga
Yoga is, without a doubt, one of the best physical activities for women of any age, although those aged 50 or older will benefit even further.
Yoga is perfect because it promotes rest and relaxation, it improves flexibility and mobility, it helps to improve your mental health, and it even helps to burn calories and assist with weight loss in the process.
Yoga is perfect for those growing older because it helps to improve mobility and flexibility, whilst also strengthening the core and the joints, so you are better protected from broken bones and damage in the event of a fall.
Tai Chi
Last on our list, we have Tai Chi. Tai Chi helps to combine relaxation, deep breathing, and flowing movements that was actually developed initially as a martial art back in the 13th century in China.
Tai Chi helps to improve discipline, it gently strengthens the core, it improves mobility and flexibility, it improves balance and posture, and it even helps to strengthen and tone the muscles.
Tai Chi can be performed by people of any age, though in particular, it has been found to be beneficial for people growing older as it reduces the risk of a fall, plus it can even help to prevent and ease arthritis.