30g Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2tsp Skimmed Milk
1/2 Bell Pepper
1 Chopped Spring Onion
2 Large Eggs
1 Large Apple
– Whisk eggs together with the milk in a large microwave safe mug.
– Stir in cheese, chopped peppers, spring onion and season with salt and pepper.
– Microwave, then remove and stir, in 30 second increments, until the egg is set. Serve with sliced apple.
Being 40 has changed! Once seen as being ‘over the hill’ it’s now looked at as more of an opportunity to enjoy life and all its experiences to the fullest. However, we do have to understand that certain changes to our lifestyle and bodies will still have a significant impact on us both physically and mentally. The demands of work, family and other responsibilities can often take precedence, making it challenging to prioritise physical activity. But, maintaining an active lifestyle could be the answer to ensuring you have enough time and energy to be able to focus on the challenges life throws at us. Taking part in regular exercise in your 40s will not only keep you fit and healthy but also boosts energy, enhances mental clarity and can drastically improve overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of staying active at 40 and provide you with practical tips to help you integrate fitness into your daily routine.
Benefits of Staying Active at 40
– Improved Physical Health: Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones whilst boosting the immune system.
– Mental and Emotional Well-being: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel good hormones’. These neurotransmitters elevate your mood, reduce stress and can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression, leading to potentially a more positive outlook on life.
– Increased Energy Levels: Contrary to what some might believe, physical activity does not drain your energy; it replenishes it! Engaging in regular exercise helps combat fatigue and promotes better sleep patterns, leaving you feeling more energised throughout the day.
– Weight Management: It might feel that our metabolism slows down after we turn 40, leaving you sluggish and feeling like you’ve gained a few pounds. Maintaining weight can definitely feel more challenging. Staying active helps your body to efficiently burn more calories, builds muscle mass and can really help you to prevent unwanted weight gain.
– Enhanced Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that regular exercise improves cognitive function and memory, helping reduce the risk of cognitive decline and age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Tips For Staying Active
– Find Activities You Enjoy: The key to maintaining an active lifestyle is to engage with activities that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, going to the gym or playing sport. Choosing activities you enjoy will make staying active feel less of a chore and more like a rewarding experience.
– Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable fitness goals that align with your current fitness level and lifestyle. Gradually increase the intensity and duration over time to avoid overexertion and injury.
– Mix It Up: Try not to stick to a single workout routine. Mix up your workouts to keep things interesting and challenging different muscle groups. Include a variety of training styles such as cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises.
– Don’t Over Look Weighted Exercise: Lifting weights isn’t going to make you bulky, but what it will do is increase strength, boost your metabolism, improve your sleep quality, support mental well-being and even boost fat burn, amongst other benefits.
– Prioritise Recovery: As we age, recovery becomes crucial. Give your body ample time to rest and recover between workouts. Have low impact days where you can focus on moving your body (like walking), flexibility and relaxation.
– Make It a Social Activity: Invite friends or family to join you on your fitness endeavours. Working out with others can provide motivation, support and accountability.
– Get a Coach: Similar to inviting your friends, a coach (like a Personal Trainer) can boost your fitness journey offering advice, motivation and accountability.
– Make It Daily: Look for opportunities to be active through the day. That could be choosing to take the stairs instead of the lift, parking 10 minutes away from your destination and walking the rest of the way or even just dancing around your kitchen. The more we move the better our bodies will be.
At 40, staying active is more than just staying in shape. It’s an investment in your long-term health and happiness. By incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits it offers. So lace up your trainers and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier more vibrant version of you!