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Over 40? If you are not already – it’s time to get moving!

Published: 17 Jan 2023

If you have had an on and off relationship with exercise – now is most definitely NOT the time to give up.

Exercise is important for people over 40 because it can help prevent a variety of health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help improve bone density, which can decrease the risk of osteoporosis, and improve balance and flexibility, which can decrease the risk of falls. Additionally, exercise can help to improve mental health and cognitive function, and can help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Overall, regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health as we age.

Traditionally there has been a belief that muscle loss with aging was inevitable.  However, the research suggests something entirely different – just look at this image, a cross section of the thighs (via MRI) comparing a 40 year old and 70 year old triathlete with a 74 year old sedentary man.  I don’t know about you, but I’m aiming to have legs like the 70 year old triathlete!

This paper, “Chronic Exercise Preserves Lean Muscle Mass in Chronic Exercisers” suggests that rather than being simply a function of aging, muscle mass and strength decline is a function of disuse! https://www.linsladephysiotherapy.co.uk/physio4u/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/rpsm.2011.09.1933_secure.pdf

Exercise can benefit people over 40 in many ways:

1. Cardiovascular health: Regular exercise can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure.
2. Bone health: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help to improve bone density, which can decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Balance and flexibility: Exercise can help to improve balance and flexibility, which can decrease the risk of falls and improve overall mobility.
4. Weight management: Regular exercise can help to control weight and reduce the risk of obesity, a major risk factor for a variety of health conditions.
5. Mental health: Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve cognitive function.
6. Cancer prevention: Regular exercise may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer such as colon and breast cancer.
7. Arthritis: Regular exercise can help to reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and improve joint flexibility and range of motion.
8. Sleep quality: Exercise can help to improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of insomnia and other sleep disorders.

It’s important to note that regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health as we age, and it’s important to find an exercise routine that is enjoyable and sustainable. A combination of aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises is recommended.

Our Move It or Lose It Class at Caringbah

How do we help?

We offer a range of services to assist you to find the exercise that is right for you:

• Our Move it and Keep It Seniors Class at Caringbah
• Our group strength and conditioning classes at Jordan Springs
• Our small group mat based pilates style class for all ages – especially those returning from injury or looking for extra support
• The Beat It program, from our Penrith and Jordan Springs clinics, for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes – funded by Diabetes NSW and ACT
• The Healthy Knees Program – an online, self paced progressive strengthening program for people with knee pain from arthritis.

Is pain or injury the problem?

That’s ok – we have you there too.  Our clinics and team are all equipped to manage any muscle, bone or joint injury.  We also offer telehealth consults – so there is no excuse to not get moving right now.

Sometimes you just need to get to the bottom of the issue – our team can diagnose, treat and rehab your injury to get you back to moving like you need to.