Exercise is valuable at any age, but it becomes even more important for women to have a regular exercise routine as they move into their 40s and beyond. The old saying, “Use it or lose it” becomes especially significant as we age. There’s something for everyone when it comes to exercise. Women have so many choices. What’s important is that you find something that works for you.

Before you begin a new workout routine, check in with your doctor to determine if you have any exercise limitations based on your health or possible injuries. If so, you may have to modify your workouts to fit your needs.

The following 5 activities help women over age 40 have fun while maintaining optimum health!

1. Yoga

Regular yoga practice can improve strength, increase flexibility and balance, and is good for the heart and bones. It also reduces anxiety and sharpens the mind.

2. Hiking

Hiking is great for your heart, builds strong muscles and bones, improves your balance, helps you get better sleep, builds your endurance, reduces stress and anxiety, and keeps your mind sharp.

3. Weight training/Resistance training

Weight training is one of the best exercises we can do for our aging bodies. It increases muscle mass, speeds up metabolism, slows down and even reverses bone-density loss, helps with sleep, increases energy, and increases overall health.

4. Cycling

Cycling is a low-impact way to get our exercise in. It’s a good muscle workout, improves joint mobility, strengthens bones, reduces heart disease, stroke and cancer risks, reduces osteoarthritis and obesity, improves mental health and well-being.

5. Swimming

Swimming is a sweat-free way to move our bodies. It provides a full-body workout, destresses and relaxes, burns calories, lowers risk of diseases, puts very little stress on the body, and increases energy.

Come join me on my next retreat and move, cleanse, and renew your body, mind, and spirit! You can learn more about it by clicking the “retreats” tab above. I’d love to see you there!