For many of us, our lives are busier than ever.

And if you’re moving into middle age or older, you may find that having the time and energy to keep in shape has become more challenging than it used to be.

Let’s talk about staying in shape.

Staying In Shape

How Long Does It Take To Get In Shape?

Depending on where we’re starting, we can expect to get in better shape in three to six months and great shape in about a year.

Be patient with yourself along the journey and stay focused on the bigger picture.

Aim for an improved quality of life, as looking better is great but feeling better can be life changing.

What Are Some Ways To Stay Fit?

• Having an active lifestyle.
• Starting a walking routine.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Doing exercises or working out.
• Avoiding fatty foods.
• Not skipping meals.
• Practicing yoga.
• Limiting alcohol, smoking and drugs.
• Choosing active vacations such as those involving hiking, skiing, swimming, or biking.

At What Age Is It Harder To Stay In Shape?

As we reach our thirties, our bodies usually need less energy, meaning we may not be able to eat the way we did in our twenties.

Then, as we move past 40 and head to middle age, changes in muscle, hormones and metabolism all make it harder for us to stay trim.

How Do You Start Exercising When You’re Out Of Shape?

Start with just walking five to ten minutes each day and gradually add time until you reach the minimum guidelines.

For resistance training, you can try bodyweight exercises first.

Exercises such as push-ups and bodyweight lunges can be done anywhere and don’t require any equipment.

What Is The Best Exercise For An Unfit Person?

Start by walking more, aim to get 10,000 steps per day and build up to this until its just part of your everyday life and routine.

As mentioned, start with 5 minutes. It could be a 5-minute walk down the road, or a short 5-minute workout like some stretching or yoga.

You could also try committing to taking the stairs at work if applicable.

Other Tips To Help Achieve And Maintain Physical Fitness:

Set clear goals: Define your fitness goals, such as whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or increase flexibility.  Having clear objectives will help keep you motivated.

Regular exercise: Integrate regular physical activity into your daily routine.

Balanced diet: Eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid any excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, or high-calorie snacks.

Portion control: Pay attention to the portion sizes you’re dishing up to avoid overeating. Try using smaller plates and stay mindful of your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper sleep is vital for muscle recovery and overall well-being.

Consistency: Consistency is key to staying in shape, sticking to a workout schedule and keeping healthy eating habits will go a long way.

Track your progress: Keeping a journal or using fitness apps to track your workouts, diet, and progress will let you see improvements and can be motivating.

Recovery and rest:  Listen to your body and rest when needed, allow your body time to recover between workouts. Overtraining can lead to injuries or burnout.

Final Thoughts:

It’s not just about achieving a specific weight or appearance; it’s about maintaining our overall health and well-being.

Make gradual, sustainable changes to your lifestyle.  Remember that staying in shape should be a lifelong commitment.

Thanks for reading, please comment or follow the links.

Sources and other reading:

Health And Fitness Tips For Men And Women

The Benefits Of Walking

How Can I Get Back In Shape?

How To Gain Muscle

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