If you are out of shape, beginning an over 40 exercise regiment can be intimidating. You may worry about injuring yourself in an aerobics class or while running. You may dread the discomfort of a strenuous workout. Maybe you are a little nervous about being a novice in a gym filled with athletes. Do not let obstacles keep you from regaining the health of your youth. Instead, try these simpler exercises and take your first steps towards life-long fitness.

One of the easiest and most effective exercises is walking. Your goal for this kind of exercise should be to elevate your heartbeat for 30 minutes. No matter how far or fast you walk, keep it up for at least 30 minutes. Each week, try to walk a little bit further in the same amount of time. Each week, you will get stronger and faster until you are ready to start a light jog.

Riding a bike is a simple alternative to walking that is easier on the joints and you can do in a group. Your bike does not need to be expensive, just comfortable. You can also try a stationary bike but may prefer the scenery of a real bike. Also, many people are using recumbent cross training machines which are essentially cycling machines that train your upper body as well.

If you do not think you are ready for a bike ride or a jog, do not be discouraged. You should start at your comfort level. If you do, you will be decreasing the likelihood of failure or injury. Starting slowly with simple exercises can help you prepare for more intensity down the road.

You can stick to your over 40 exercise program even if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or on a couch. Leg lifts easily build muscle and prepare you for increased activity. Ankle weights further increase resistance. You can perform arm curls, using two to five pound weights, which strengthens your biceps. Each of these will help you body prepare for more activity like a brisk walk or light aerobics.

Local pools often offer water aerobics or other fitness over 40 related classes. These workouts are easy on your joints and very quickly prepare your body for greater activity. Water resistance makes the most basic movements twice as effective. You can also use foam dumbbells and aqua belts for even greater resistance.

Pedometers are a great way to track your activity level and increase your fitness over 40. After wearing a pedometer for a week, you will be able to see when you are most sedentary and improve. For example, if you are often inactive at work, then try to avoid the elevator, park a few more spaces away from the door, and talk a walk around the corner at lunch.

There is no need for worry or nervousness. It can be easy to start your over 40 exercise program, whether you start walking, biking, or performing sitting exercises. If you start slowly, you will be able to overcome your fear and have a longer, healthier life.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 6:32 am and is filed under fat loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.