Fat Burning Exercise for the Middle Aged

As we get older, we also tend to relax – maybe too much. Plus all those years of “just a tad more” at dinner have left us with a spare tire. Worse, we tend to have less energy for exercise. We also get tired easier and take longer to recover after each workout. This trend will not go away – you must take action. Now.

Fortunately, middle age doesn’t have to mean you are stuck with a bad body and no energy. The fact is that 40 something’s have some serious advantages over those young whippersnappers: determination and smarts. Yep, you get smarter as you get older; take advantage of it.

Indeed, many people are discovering they are in the best shape of their lives just by getting serious about their health. Things like eating right, getting regular exercise and dealing with the stresses of daily life are all easier for the person with a little life experience under the belt.

We also tend to see all too clearly the results of that extra helping of mashed potatoes and the lack of exercise – this can make all the difference.

By now you probably realized that to burn fat you need more than a single solution – fad diets or heavy exercise are not the answer – despite what many would like to believe. Fat burning requires a comprehensive strategy and the right frame of mind.

Let’s start with that frame of mind bit - manage your expectations. Getting a better body is a long term project. Not weeks, not even a few months – but at least six months and up to several years depending on your level of physical fitness. If this seems too much, remember, the later you start, the further off that nice body will be.

What you really want is a long term lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Get your priorities in order – after all we are taking about something that’s going to dramatically improve your quality of life.

Once exercise is a priority, don’t agonize about it - just do it. The hardest part of your exercise program will be starting it up – once you start generating those endorphins that make you feel all tingly, you may not even want to stop. You’ll be surprised how many people who exercise regularly will push all other priorities to the side to get in that daily workout. They are simply addicted to the endorphins – not grinds, as you might think.

Start out slow. This is a long term project, remember? An injury is the most common end to a fitness program; better to do too little than too much. Getting that extra rep or adding that extra plate on the bar will not make much difference in the long haul. Same goes for running that extra mile or working out when sore. As a mature person, your willpower may be greater, but it can be a double-edged sword – don’t use it to hurt yourself. It’s not do or die – you can miss a workout if you don’t feel well. Don’t stress on it.

Probably the best fat burner – at any age - is brisk walking or using the tread mill at the gym. As little as 30 to 40 minutes 3 to 5 times a week can make a noticeable difference to your figure and a huge improvement on how you feel. Walking has the added benefit of being a safe, low impact exercise – perfect for those of us just starting to get back into shape. Indeed, brisk walking – not ambling along - may be the best fat burning exercise ever.

Top