4 Sports to Stay Healthy and Active at Any Age

 By Erica Tiffany–

Turning 50 doesn’t mean the end of physical fitness — in fact, it can even be the perfect time to start a new wellness regimen. From helping to reduce the symptoms of menopause to preventing diabetes and osteoporosis, mature women will benefit from starting even a minor fitness routine.

Below are four activities that are perfect for women of all skill levels. Start where you feel comfortable and gradually work your way up to more advanced postures, activities and moves. Are you ready to retire your boring old workout routine and embrace some new and exciting ways to stay healthy?

Pilates

Staying limber and building strength are keys to keeping the body healthy and happy. Pilates is one of the best physical activities for increasing a body’s range of motion and flexibility. It’s also a great activity for those who suffer from chronic joint and muscle pain. Consider purchasing a Groupon for a Pilates class near you — you just may fall in love with it.

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Fun fact: Not only is Pilates good for the body, it’s also good for the mind. Try a combination of Pilates and meditation for the ultimate in health and wellness. Headspace is an app that helps beginners learn the fundamentals of meditation in an easy-to-understand way.

Biking

Biking is easier on the knees than running, and shopping for a bicycle is almost as fun as the actual ride itself. Start by treating yourself with a new bike (road or mountain, whichever you prefer). Here are some tips from AARP to help you choose the right one for you. Also, make sure you purchase the proper clothing and eyewear. Women’s cycling clothing helps prevent chafing, while UV-protective lenses reduce sun glare and harsh rays. Costa is a good brand for frames and you can buy replacement lenses just in case.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding

We all know swimming is good for the joints, but stand-up paddle boarding is good for the soul. Such a fun activity can awaken your inner child and give you a killer workout while you’re at it. Stand up paddle boarding is a nice activity because you can experience varying difficulty levels at different locations. In the ocean, stand-up paddle boarding is rigorous and intense as you must balance and steady yourself with each wave. In less rocky waters, the activity is much more peaceful. If you’re up for the challenge, try this SUP workout from SELF magazine.

Weight Training

Weight training may seem like it would be the last activity to make this list, but it’s definitely the most important. “If you haven’t started weight training, you must,” says fitness expert Kathy Smith on Oprah.com. Strength training comes with many benefits, such as restoring balance (which reduces the risk of falls), combating obesity, improving glucose control, strengthening bone and building healthy heart tissue, according to the CDC. Gyms like Curves make it easy for women to begin a strength-training circuit without feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable.

You’re in your prime, and you don’t want to waste it not trying new things. All it takes is an open mind to find an activity that is fun and gets you moving.

 

Erica is an experienced writer and editor whose work has been utilized by a variety of print, broadcast and online outlets. She specializes in crafting compelling content for small businesses looking for more social buzz. In her spare time she’s an extreme couponer, aspiring chef, Kuvasz lover, antique hunter and Mini Cooper drag racer.

4 thoughts on “4 Sports to Stay Healthy and Active at Any Age”

  1. John S. Mastin

    Paddle boards is a key to engage in the recreation with water also it’s an awesome way to work out.. Thanks for sharing information with us

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4 Sports to Stay Healthy and Active at Any Age
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