Don’t let your age be the excuse you use for not being in shape. You can be strong and fit in at any age, says one expert. Nikkiey Stott, BSN, Fitness Coach and co-founder of Warrior Babe, helps “women manage macros, build muscles, & boost confidence.” In a new post, she reveals the top five exercises you should do if you are over 40 that offer the most bang for your buck. “Do these 5 power moves if you’re over 40,” she writes. “Want to stay strong, fit, and functional at 40, 50, or even 60+? Save these 5 moves to your weekly workouts.”
Squats
The first power move she recommends is a butt-buster: Squats. “Build lower body strength and protect your joints,” she says about the glute and leg exercises, which she also demonstrates in the video.
Pushups
Another effective exercise that offers full-body benefits? Pushups. “Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and arms while improving core stability,” she says.
Deadlifts
Next on her power moves list? Deadlifts. “The ultimate move for a strong back, glutes, and hamstrings,” she says about the exercise, which requires weights.
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Standing Shoulder Press
Grab a pair of free weights or a bar and do a standing shoulder press, she suggests. “Keep your shoulders strong and mobile as you age,” she says.
Lat Pulldowns or Dumbbell Rows
Lastly, choose from two exercises, lat pulldowns or dumbbell rows. “Boost upper back strength and posture,” she says.
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10,000 Steps Per Day
In another post, she also recommends walking “10,000 steps per day,” which she says equals “70 marathons per year.” A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.
Strength Training
And, of course, she also recommends investing time in strength training. “Committing to 3 workouts a week = 156 workouts a year,” she adds. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:
- Develop strong bones
- Manage your weight
- Enhance your quality of life
- Manage chronic conditions
- Sharpen your thinking skills