As Halloween approaches, it’s the season for ghosts, goblins — and sometimes, a few fitness fears that feel just as haunting. For many adults over 50, fear can quietly keep them from getting started or sticking with an exercise routine. Maybe it’s been years since the last gym visit, or perhaps it feels intimidating to
When it comes to resistance training, you don’t always need tons of equipment. Some powerful tools are small, simple, and inexpensive. Fitness bands have been common in physical therapy offices, gyms and fitness studios for a long time. They gained popularity in homes during the pandemic. They’re still a low-cost, lightweight option for resistance training,
Phil Shipp isn’t your typical 90-year-old. Earlier this summer, he won six gold medals at a Masters track and field competition. Even more remarkable, he added muscle mass during his training, proof that it’s never too late to get stronger. Phil had been competing for years, but in the weeks leading up to nationals, he
Does the idea of “getting in shape” sound overwhelming, like just too many things to take on all at once? Lots of folks picture hours at the gym, pumping heavy iron, never eating yummy food, and basically giving up everything that makes life worth living. Who wants that? But it doesn’t take a huge leap.
Every September, Healthy Aging Month invites us to consider what the next chapter of life could look like. This year’s theme, “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself,” resonates with many folks over 50, especially, perhaps, regarding fitness and healthy habits. We’re living longer and have greater opportunities than previous generations. Active aging is about more than preventing decline. It’s
It’s a question people have debated for years. If your goal is to lose fat, should you spend more time doing cardio or lifting weights? The truth is, both are important — and they work best together. Cardio burns calories while you’re moving. Walking, cycling, or swimming all torch energy in the moment and improve heart and
Steve Hall knows what it’s like to be sidelined by pain — and to work his way back to health. Years ago, while golfing with friends, he ruptured a disc in his back. The pain was constant. “Doing nothing felt best,” he remembers. But he didn’t want surgery or pills. Instead, he tried acupuncture, where
Here are some of the questions we’re most frequently asked about exercise and fitness after 50. Q: Do non-athlete adults over 50 really need to lift weights? It seems kind of ridiculous. A: Yes, you do – and no, it’s not ridiculous! Muscle loss begins in our 30s and speeds up with age. Without resistance
At 95 years old, Mike isn’t just exercising. He’s inspiring. Trainer Robert Haddocks, who’s in his late 50s and no stranger to longevity himself, recently posted a heartfelt birthday. “My client, my friend, my inspiration, my idol — in many ways,” Rob wrote. “This playful joker turns 95 today. Yes, I said 95!” Mike’s movement
August is National Dog Month in both the United States and Canada, a celebration of the special bond between humans and their canine companions. And for people over 50, it’s also a timely reminder of just how powerful that bond can be for your physical and emotional health. Dog ownership isn’t just about wagging tails and unconditional