Weight maintenance can get a lot harder as we age (thanks, metabolism), and exercise remains just as important to our overall health (if not more). "It’s the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth," says Robert. Exercise helps fight age-related muscle and bone loss, which could otherwise lead to injuries and loss of mobility. Plus, as Mandee points out, exercise has been linked to lower risk for disease, better brain cognition, and a longer lifespan! Convinced? Let's get moving…
Calorie Burning After Age 50: Weight Training, Cardio & More
May
25
2018
If you or someone you know is trying to shed pounds past the age of 50, you or your pal may be running up against a whole new set of roadblocks. To get the scoop on how to outsmart Father Time, we talked to a couple of our favorite health and fitness professionals: health journalist Robert J. Davis, Ph.D., and personal trainer Mandee Miller!
Why It Matters
Weight Training for the Win
Don’t shy away from weight training! Mandee recommends resistance exercises 2 - 4 times a week, to help with muscle mass. She says, “Muscle is important because it helps preserve and maintain healthy bone density... It’s also a key component to our metabolic process -- how we use food as energy, a.k.a. fuel.” In other words? Working those muscles can actually help you to burn more calories.
Just starting out? Begin with bodyweight exercises, such as squats and sit-ups. These exercises require no equipment whatsoever, and they strengthen real-world activity skills, like easily bending and getting back up.
More from Mandee: Try "free weights, resistance tubing and bands, medicine balls... in a class setting for guidance, form correction, and a second pair of eyes to ensure you are building good strength training habits." If you can't get to a class in person, look up videos on YouTube or a fitness app, and follow along at home!
Just starting out? Begin with bodyweight exercises, such as squats and sit-ups. These exercises require no equipment whatsoever, and they strengthen real-world activity skills, like easily bending and getting back up.
More from Mandee: Try "free weights, resistance tubing and bands, medicine balls... in a class setting for guidance, form correction, and a second pair of eyes to ensure you are building good strength training habits." If you can't get to a class in person, look up videos on YouTube or a fitness app, and follow along at home!
All About Cardio...
When it comes to cardiovascular activity, impact can be a definite concern. If you have a history of joint pain or injuries, low-impact cardio is your best bet. If you're pain-free and have no pre-existing conditions, try a mix of high- and low-impact exercises. Mandee suggests…
Low Impact: walking ⭑ marching ⭑ side steps ⭑ Zumba ⭑ pool workouts ⭑ elliptical machine ⭑ spinning bike
High Impact: stair climbing ⭑ hiking ⭑ lunges ⭑ step aerobics ⭑ cardio dance ⭑ treadmill workouts with incline
What About Running? Robert J. Davis is for it. "Contrary to popular belief, running does not wreck your knees according to research. In fact, runners tend to have a lower risk of joint problems than non-runners, perhaps because running strengthens muscles, which means less pressure on joints."
Low Impact: walking ⭑ marching ⭑ side steps ⭑ Zumba ⭑ pool workouts ⭑ elliptical machine ⭑ spinning bike
High Impact: stair climbing ⭑ hiking ⭑ lunges ⭑ step aerobics ⭑ cardio dance ⭑ treadmill workouts with incline
What About Running? Robert J. Davis is for it. "Contrary to popular belief, running does not wreck your knees according to research. In fact, runners tend to have a lower risk of joint problems than non-runners, perhaps because running strengthens muscles, which means less pressure on joints."
Calorie-Burning Trick: Boost Your Intensity in Small Increments
4 Fast Fitness Tips
⭑ Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. The pros are there to help you!
⭑ Take it easy at first. Increase your time and intensity as you get stronger, but don't overdo it. And if it hurts: STOP.
⭑ Flexibility is another area to work on. Include stretching, yoga, and/or tai chi to increase mobility, ease stress, and relieve pain.
⭑ Eating enough protein is crucial for building muscle; lucky for you, we have a ton of recipes full of lean protein!
⭑ Take it easy at first. Increase your time and intensity as you get stronger, but don't overdo it. And if it hurts: STOP.
⭑ Flexibility is another area to work on. Include stretching, yoga, and/or tai chi to increase mobility, ease stress, and relieve pain.
⭑ Eating enough protein is crucial for building muscle; lucky for you, we have a ton of recipes full of lean protein!
Looking for More No-Brainer Calorie Burners?
We've got 25 simple suggestions in the Summer issue of Hungry Girl magazine! Each one burns 100 calories and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine! Find the magazine in stores like Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, Target, Whole Foods, and Barnes & Noble. Or order your copy now with free shipping... But hurry, because there are only a few hundred copies left!
More from Our Experts...
Check out Robert J. Davis's books on Amazon... All three are EXCELLENT! Mythbusting, motivation, and so much more!
Visit Mandee Miller’s website to learn about virtual fitness coaching, check out her workout playlists, and connect with her on social media. Yay, Mandee!
Visit Mandee Miller’s website to learn about virtual fitness coaching, check out her workout playlists, and connect with her on social media. Yay, Mandee!
HG Heads Up: There will be no email this Monday, 5/28, in honor of Memorial Day. But we’ll be back on Tuesday with a SUPER-EXCITING carb-slashed recipe!
Chew on this:
Happy National Brown-Bag-It Day, May 25th! Have you tried salad in a jar yet?
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