Baby Boomer Fitness: Get Yourself Back Into Shape!

The problem is that this process slows down as we age. Maybe you were athletic in your teens and 20s and could work out for hours every day with no ill effects. But by 50, a daily hours-long workout is too stressful for your tissues. Cells just can't recuperate fast enough. Instead of getting stronger, the buildup of microtrauma will make them weaker. Back to Sammy. He'll spend months doing very little physical activity, then jump back into his workouts as if there's been no break. In his enthusiasm, he'll ignore little nagging joint pains that are signs of the beginning of tendonitis or muscle strains. He'll push himself harder than his body can handle, until something gives out. Don't make his mistakes. If you've been sedentary, even if it's only for a few months, you must work back into your fitness routine slowly. Spend the first month doing only two workouts a week. The next month, add another session. Three sessions a week is usually all a boomer's body can handle, unless you're a masters athlete with a scientifically planned conditioning program. If you train at the right pace for your age, you can continue to build your physical capabilities to the same capacity as someone 20 years younger. If you haven't seriously worked out for years, it may take six months or longer to build your body back up handle heavier training loads. But it must be continuous. You can't do it in fits and starts; being disciplined for two weeks, then slacking off for two weeks. Consistent, planned workouts will rejuvenate your body and build it back to a much more youthful state. Stops and starts will just put you back on the couch. // var ranNum = Math.round(Math.random()*1000000); document.write('http://content.yellowbrix.com/images/content/cimage.nsp?ctype=full_story&story_id=147669548&id=thirdage&ip_id=McClatchy-Tribune+News+Service&source_id=McClatchy%2FTribune&category=General+Interest&random=' + (ranNum));// ]]>//