Age is no barrier: tailored fitness for the modern 40-something man

It’s a common misconception that fitness is only a young man’s game. The belief that we should hang up our trainers as we approach the big 4-0 couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that you can, and absolutely should, be pushing yourself to new fitness heights, regardless of the age displayed on your driving licence.

Sure, your younger days of being able to run a full marathon on a diet of pizza and energy drinks may well be behind you; but let’s be honest, is that really such a bad thing? With age comes wisdom, and yes, responsibility, so it’s time to balance your fitness regime with the knowledge and maturity that your 40s bring.

“Your body might be different now, but that’s not a barrier – it’s an opportunity.”

Think of it this way: You’re now at a point where you’re informed enough to create a workout plan that caters to your own unique strengths and weaknesses – something that can be surprisingly rewarding. Remember; it’s not about trying to match the stamina or speed of your younger self or competing with others in the gym. The objective of being fit in your 40s is about maintaining your health, feeling good in your skin, and proving to yourself that age is indeed just a number, not a finish line.

Now that we’ve established the importance of continuing to pursue fitness into your 40s, let’s take a look at some specific ways you can adapt your workout regime to suit your new ‘age bracket’.

• Firstly, you should opt for low impact exercises. Age does take a toll on your joints, and high impact exercises like running can exacerbate this. Low impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine will give you a great cardio workout without putting unnecessary stress on your joints.
• Strength training is incredibly important as you age. Not only does it help prevent the loss of muscle mass, but it also boosts your metabolism and helps maintain bone density.
• Don’t ignore flexibility and balance training. Incorporating yoga and Pilates into your routine can be extremely beneficial for stretching your muscles and improving your stability – two key components of staying fit as you age.

So, gentlemen of a certain age, remember – it’s never too late to start looking after your health. Even if you’ve lost touch with your gym membership or your running shoes have grown old and dusty, your 40s are a perfect time to dive back into your fitness journey. Remember, the best workout is the one that you enjoy and will stick to. So, find something that gets you excited about breaking a sweat, and enjoy this next chapter of your health journey.