Why get fit after 40?
So you are considering trying to get into better shape, but you are on the fence, maybe because of your age, and the amount of effort involved, or how much it may cost, or maybe some other reason, well let me share with you my point of view as to why someone in your situation would want to get fit.
To extend life expectancy.
As you get in better shape, and increase your activity level, your body will respond by making itself stronger so that it can endure additional activity. This overall strengthening will generally extend your life, as you will not be as susceptible to the effects of aging as someone who doesn’t exercise, or is not active.
To increase the quality of life.
When you feel better physically, you feel better mentally, and people can see, and feel that energy from you. Just as when you feel bad, people can tell, and see it on your face. Feeling better for the additional time you are around is a one, two punch benefit combo that you will reap, when you decide to get in shape.
Obtain a sense of accomplishment in obtaining a goal you have set for yourself.
Setting a goal for yourself, and then taking the actions to accomplish that goal is extremely powerful, it is the best motivation boost that I can think of. It is proof positive that you put in the work to do the thing that you wanted to do, and no one else can take credit for it except you. You should revel in this accomplishment.
Place yourself in an exclusive group of people.
Think about the people who can say they have worked out 4 times a week for the last 52 weeks. What would you imagine a person like that looks like? Likely in better shape than someone who hasn’t worked out in a year, right? I am thinking fitness models, personal trainers, Hollywood movie stars, celebrities, professional and college athletes, and you could add yourself to that exclusive list of people, while getting the benefits of those actions.
To look better, and feel better.
Don’t underestimate this one, looking at yourself in the mirror and noticing the physical change in your body due to the work you are putting in is incredibly rewarding, and motivational. I recommend it.
Some things to think about.
According to the World Health Organization, “globally, 28% of adults aged 18 and over were not active enough in 2016 (men 23% and women 32%). This means they do not meet the global recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.”
Benefits of meeting your activity goals.
In adults and older adults, higher levels of physical activity improves:
incident type-2 diabetes
prevents of falls
mental health (reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression)
cognitive health
sleep
measures of adiposity (fatty tissue)
risk of cardiovascular disease mortality
incident hypertension
Recommended Activity Levels
Adults aged 18–64 years
should do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity;
or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week
should also do muscle-strengthening activities at moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these provide additional health benefits.
Replacing sedentary time with physical activity of any intensity (including light intensity) provides health benefits, and to help reduce the detrimental effects of high levels of sedentary behaviour on health, all adults and older adults should aim to do more than the recommended levels of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity
It is more important to get fit even as you get older, than when you were younger. The body takes more time to bounce back as you age versus your younger self, making it better for you to stay fit, and strong to avoid those injuries that are caused by weak muscles, or lack of activity. Also, the activities that you perform to stay fit, have an acute impact on your health. As soon as you start working out, and dieting, it will have an impact on your health, you will not be able to see it, but on a cellular, level your body starts changing the instant you start taking action. Increased heart rate, blood pumping through your muscles, heavier breathing, perspiration, all of these are ways your body immediately responds to physical activity, and your body being the genius organism it is, wants to keep you safe, so after your workout it makes itself stronger because it wants to mitigate that response next time, so that when you work out again it doesn’t have to work so hard to keep up.
Also it is about taking pride in yourself, the same way you wouldn’t leave the house without brushing your teeth, or brushing your hair, dressing in clean clothes, these things reflect how you care for yourself, and the attention you pay to yourself without saying a word. Same thing applies to your fitness level, being in or out of shape tells people what you think about your own health, and how serious you take it.
And so…
To extend life expectancy, to improve quality of life, a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of pride in achieving your goal, in addition to just looking and feeling better, are the main reasons I feel it is a great idea to start getting in shape today. Don’t put it off, just start doing something no matter how small, just stay consistent, and you will build up your activity level, and see and feel the benefits of getting in shape.
