Article Link Article link: Exercise for your age

[LoveVA]

So I know this is an old article from 2006, but I just found it. I apologize if this has been discussed here already, but I found it useful (I'm in my 40s). It's an article that provides suggestions for how to work out based on your age (20s, 30s, 40s, etc.)

http://www.oprah.com/health/Exercise-for-Your-Age/1

[susan p]

I think it is interesting that they recommending more strength work in your 30s, and even more in your 40s, but then MUCH LESS in your 50s. Wonder what's up with that?

(I'm 50, by the way.)

[bubbles76]

I am only allotting one hour max to working out every day. So that recommendation to do one hour of strength training three days a week and 45 minutes of cardio five days a week once we hit 40 isn not going to cut it for me

[LoveVA]

Originally Posted by bubbles76

I am only allotting one hour max to working out every day. So that recommendation to do one hour of strength training three days a week and 45 minutes of cardio five days a week once we hit 40 isn not going to cut it for me

Seriously. I can only get up so early. It did emphasize for me that I do need more strength training, though.

Susan, I did wonder why women in their 50s need more cardio and less strength training.

[Sophie]

Originally Posted by susan p

I think it is interesting that they recommending more strength work in your 30s, and even more in your 40s, but then MUCH LESS in your 50s. Wonder what's up with that?

(I'm 50, by the way.)

That doesn't sound right to me. I can't think of a sensible rationale for that at all. Everything else I've read indicates the need for more, not less, with each passing decade. That just seems sloppily written, especially considering they talk about how muscle mass is lost and how important weight training is, quoting Kathy Smith. Bit of a disconnect there.

[Aquajock]

The less I read popular journalism articles on fitness, the healthier and fitter I am.

A-Jock

[JENILU]

They did point out joint problems as you get older, and I think that was their rational - opinions may have changed by the "experts" in tha last 6 years though.

[Vintage VFer]

Originally Posted by Sophie

That doesn't sound right to me. I can't think of a sensible rationale for that at all. Everything else I've read indicates the need for more, not less, with each passing decade. That just seems sloppily written, especially considering they talk about how muscle mass is lost and how important weight training is, quoting Kathy Smith. Bit of a disconnect there.

If Sophie doesn't approve, I won't even bother to read it.

[Sophie]

Originally Posted by Alta-tude

If Sophie doesn't approve, I won't even bother to read it.

LOL Alta! no, I want people to read it so they can re-interpret it for me so it makes sense

Sure, joint problems. Heck, I've had that since I've been in my 20's (or even late teens, given all the sprained knees and ankles playing sports). That's why I'm doing MORE, not LESS, strength training, to address muscle balance and lend support to my joints.

[JENILU]

Originally Posted by Sophie

Sure, joint problems. Heck, I've had that since I've been in my 20's (or even late teens, given all the sprained knees and ankles playing sports). That's why I'm doing MORE, not LESS, strength training, to address muscle balance and lend support to my joints.

ITA! Thats why I am assumiing "expert" advice must have changed (I hope) in the last few years. I just wish there weren't still so many workouts coming out that sling around light weights. I think that was what originally caused a lot of my problems. (controlled lifting at a decent weight should be very encouraged for all age groups, and do more as you adapt no matter what age I would think)