Fitness

What's the Best Exercise for Your Age?

If your typical workout routine never changes, you're missing out. Here's what you should be doing at the gym, based on your goals and your age

by Dawn Davis

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If you're in your 40s ... ... and you're out of shape.

Your fitness fix: Exercise -- Every. Single. Day.

We know what you're thinking: It's an impossible goal. But it's extremely important to work out regularly during this decade of your life. "Testosterone levels start to become erratic, and you'll lose muscle mass," explains Louann Brizendine, MD, hormone expert and author of "The Female Brain." The good news is that 30 minutes a day is enough to make a difference. Pagano suggests focusing on high-intensity exercises in intermittent bursts. "Think full-body movement," she says, "like interval training on a cardio machine or circuit training with at least four different exercises." By working out regularly, you can help keep your hormone levels in check and preserve -- or even build -- muscle.

SEE NEXT PAGE: If you're in your 40s ...

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Older comments

I wish there were more details in this article.

by hopela Monday, January 14, 2013 at 09:00PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the article. It was really insightful.

by Sari Monday, January 7, 2013 at 09:18PM Report as inappropriate

great info

by Mommy_of_Ethan Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 07:07PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 01:11PM Report as inappropriate

It's definitely good to exercise at every age!

by MizzPink Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:11AM Report as inappropriate

Great article !

by Ladybugg9 Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 05:32PM Report as inappropriate

Resistance bands & mini weights here I come! I need to maintain, not minimize, &/or maximize. Great ideas.

by robyne00 Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 07:15PM Report as inappropriate

I'm in my 20's and I think it's really important to vary your routine and only do things that you enjoy, then you're more likely to stick with it. Also changing up your routine confuses your body and you are less likely to get used to doing the same exercise over and over, then you hit a plateau and have to change your routine. Some days I do Zumba, walk my dog, cardio kick-boxing or a more intense strength training workout. Even if I'm super lazy I'll still fit in a short walk or yoga, once you get going you almost always want to continue. It's good to have a workout buddy, if you know someone is depending on you to show up, you're more likely to follow through. Also check your local parks and recreation. Often they have free classes. Mine offers free yoga and Zumba. They also have great hiking trails which are free, so no need to pay for a gym membership.

by RoleModel Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 04:15PM Report as inappropriate

Eh. I'll be 30 in a month (not working like crazy and DEFINITELY not planning to get pregnant) and the only tip I found helpful was the reminder to work on my posture.

by tallredamanda Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 06:41AM Report as inappropriate

This makes me think about my net surfing ;)

by Dahlia84 Monday, July 2, 2012 at 05:10PM Report as inappropriate