There is a lot of misinformation out there about how people over 50 should (or shouldn’t!) exercise. The truth is most people who are looking for over 50 fitness tips probably want to keep exercising. Some people might be considering exercise for the first time and wondering how to protect against injury after 50. Let’s bust some myths with these over 50 fitness tips.
You should stop running
If you currently run, there’s no reason why you should stop. Go by how your body feels, and increase or decrease your mileage depending on how well you recover. New runners can protect against injury by seeking advice and taking things slowly to begin with.
Weightlifting is bad for joints
If you have no complaints about your joints, it can be very beneficial to lift weights. It helps to maintain bone density and muscle tone. Start with small weights but don’t be afraid to increase them when they become too easy to lift.
Inflexibility is permanent
Stiffness doesn’t have to be accepted at face value. Regular stretching and movement can help to improve the feeling of flexibility in people who want over 50 fitness tips.
Squats are bad for the knees
Squats are only bad for the knees if they are performed improperly. If you have good form, they should be a valuable part of your regular workout.
You can’t gain strength after 50
That’s not true! Muscle is slower to build as we get older, but it doesn’t stop completely. Build up a whole-body workout using bodyweight and you will notice an improvement in your strength quickly.
Walking is all you need
Walking is a wonderful exercise that almost anyone can do. It can form the basis of any exercise program but don’t neglect your cardiovascular system. Short bursts of fast walking or jogging will get the heart rate up and help you stay in condition.
Poor balance is permanent
Like stiffness, poor balance can often be corrected with regular practice. Being steady on your feet is a great way to prevent fall injuries at are more common as we age.
You can’t work out after surgery
Consult your doctor of course, but most people are recommended to recommence exercise as soon as possible after knee and hip surgeries. Moving helps the joints to recover well and with strength.
About Enertor Advanced Technology Insoles– Enertor insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury, the unique design features support your foot throughout training. Enertor insoles are enhanced by PX1 impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole. Our expertise, combined with the innovative PX1 shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today.
Enertor insoles are available to buy from our online shop .
Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.