10 Exercises For After 50

You're heard it before: Exercise is crucial as you cruise into middle age and beyond. It helps promote longevity and prevent disease, gives you more energy and can improve mood. The ideal is to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity nearly every day. A recent study from Penn State University found that women aged 40 to 60 reported feeling more confident and energized after a half an hour of moderate exercise than those who had a strenuous workout. Many experts say the best way to exercise is to incorporate movement into your daily routine—gardening, walking up stairs, even working around the house.

We've compiled a list exercises that can help boost strength, endurance, flexibility and balance:

Comments

[dontcareless]

06:33 PM on 02/02/2013

Sex is a great workout..forget running up and down the road, run up the stairs and give her what she needs, a proper service

[Chim Richalds]

07:22 PM on 12/09/2011

Whenever I see any of the slideshows in the Post50 section, I have to wonder if there is a reason that the majority of people that are shown in them don't appear to be anywhere near 50.

[windbalance]

12:17 AM on 12/04/2011

Tai Chi is an excellent exercise, developed for aging gracefully. It's gentle, improves circulation, is easy on the joints, is stress reducing, improves co-ordination and balance. It is also very interesting and challenging. You can keep improving until you're old and grey. I've practiced since I was 27, and at 57 I have benefited greatly. I still love practicing. I teach seated exercises to seniors in assisted living. My oldest student is 101, and I see those folks benefit even at their age. www.taichisantacruz.com

[Anne Siperek]

03:19 PM on 12/03/2011

I can enjoy all on the list but 2 - yoga and pilates - why? Because every time I get on the floor to do them, so help me god, I fall asleep. Every time!! I guess I need faster action!

[hjo4]

01:03 PM on 12/03/2011

I haven't been in the health club since September, when I turned 53. I do an hour on the elliptical and I swear I am in another world I enjoy it. It's hard to force myself to get into the gym, so I appreciate this article it is like a whisper in my ear. Thanks

[kathyWW]

09:26 PM on 12/02/2011

Stretching as a workout? Some of these suggestions are insulting and overly coddling. I am 52 and have 2 kinds of arthritis. I was bedridden and morbidly obese a year ago. I lost 60 pounds and now I can run 5K again but I sure as hell didn't get there by doing a brisk walk.

[hjo4]

01:07 PM on 12/03/2011

Different stroke for different folks. You are to be commended but please remember everyone does not have the discipline and fortitude that you have, which is a gift. A 10 minute walk is better than not walking at all. One day or one step at a time for many people.

[cafebeege]

12:56 AM on 12/04/2011

Thanks hjo4.....I've always set very high standards for myself. I've been through 3 major surgeries in recent years and feel like I'll never get back to the person I was before them. Have even lost 1/5 th of my body weight. So frustrating. You just reminded me of what I used to tell my kids and I need to implement it now in my life. Start small and progress. Small is better than nothing and never starting......and go from there. Tomorrow I start !! Thanks.....:o)

[sabelmouse]

08:07 AM on 12/04/2011

how did you do that. i get so much pain i give up ?

[J R M]

04:36 PM on 12/02/2011

Try walking. Free. Not too high impact. Part of the health impact of a dog is that you have to take it out and walk it - even when the weather is bad.