Age Is Just a Number: Fitness Goals and Achievements for over 50s

As the optimistic saying goes: age is just a number. This phrase is not only relevant to those in their teens or twenties, but is equally applicable to people as they traverse the trailing years of their fifth decade and beyond.

With changing lifestyles and advances in medical science, being over 50 today isn't what it used to be. But embracing the possibility of fitness achievements and goals, requires a significant paradigm shift. Society has conditioned people to believe that muscle wasting and weight gains are basic inevitabilities of growing older. But, the shifting tide has seen a surge of fitness-conscious individuals over 50 who are proving this theory wrong.

One common belief is that over 50s can't, or shouldn't, partake in strength training. Again, this is far from the truth! Various research documents demonstrate the numerous advantages of strength exercises for over 50s, particularly in managing age-related ailments like Osteoporosis and Arthritis, or in preserving muscle mass and bone density. Strength training is, in fact, one of the best ways to build strength and resistance in later years.

Weight training doesn't have to be strenuous. Light dumbbells or resistance bands work well, and build up gradually as your strength increases. Exercises can be as simple as lifting a can of soup from your pantry. Squats, seated leg extensions, and bicep curls can all be performed while watching your favourite television show!

There aren't just strength and resistance benefits. Fitness exercises for over 50s can also significantly improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance, helping to counter the natural age-related decline. For cardiovascular health, swimming, brisk walking, or cycling are excellent choices. Gentle yoga or Pilates classes help increase flexibility, strength, balance and mental well-being.

There are, of course, general health tips for over 50s looking to integrate fitness exercises into their lifestyle. First, ensure to get a medical all-clear from your healthcare professional before beginning any new fitness regime. Starting slow, being consistent, setting achievable goals, and incorporating a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises are crucial for a holistic fitness routine.

Importantly, ensure to embrace all these changes as part of a lifestyle modification and not just a temporary fix. Proper nutrition, ample hydration, and adequate rest and recuperation will not only reinforce these new habits but will also hugely impact your overall health and fitness in your 50s and beyond.

Ageing need not be a process of deceleration. Instead, it can be a journey taken with vitality and vigour. It's never too late to begin, and your over 50s could be the perfect time for putting those trainers on and taking that first step toward a healthier, fitter future. Fitness goals and achievements need not be confined to any age group - because truly, age is just a number, and a robust, resilient body is always in fashion, irrespective of the date on your birth certificate.