17/06/2021
TIPS ON RUNNING AFTER 40:
1. Increase Time and Intensity Slowly
First and foremost, it’s important for you to focus on proper running form as you age, especially if you’re a beginner. This will reduce your risk of injury tremendously. Once you’ve mastered proper running technique, you can get started on a running routine.
Keep in mind that it’s extremely likely that you won’t be able to run as fast or as long as you once did. We’re not saying that you can’t still run fast or long distances over the age of 40-you certainly can! However, we recommend that you progress slowly and increase intensity over time.
2. Take Time to Rest and Recover
Take a rest after your jog to recuperate between workouts.
As you get older, you’ll likely need more time to recuperate between workouts. It’s important that you listen to your body. If you feel extra tired or more sore than normal, you need to take it easy. Pushing yourself too hard can cause unnecessary stress on your joints, bones, and muscles, leading to injury. Remember, rest days are just as important as workout days, which leads us to the next tip.
3. Utilize Cross-Training
Cross training involves incorporating other forms of exercise other than running into your routine. It’s important that you give your body a break from running every other day or so, in order to keep yourself from burning out. You can add in other forms of cardio such as swimming, biking, aerobic class, etc…
Perhaps the most important cross training exercise to incorporate into your weekly routine is strength training. This form of exercise will keep your bones and muscles strong so that you can continue to run safely.
4. Eat the Right Foods
Eating the right foods will power you through your workout after age 40
You should always eat before going on a run to provide your body with the fuel it needs to make it through the workout.
Additionally, it’s just as important to refuel after the workout is over. You can add these Superfoods for Workout Recovery into your daily diet as well.
As our bodies age, our appetites start to diminish. This is why it becomes more and more important that every calorie is as nutrient dense as possible.
5. Practice Yoga for Flexibility and Balance
Flexibility and balance is important for everyone, and even more so for older adults. It’s a great idea to start working on these two things as soon as possible, but it’s never too late to begin. Being flexible and having good balance will not just make you a better runner, but it will also keep you safe by preventing injury while participating in running routine.
6. Stay Hydrated
As you get older, your thirst mechanism may begin to malfunction so drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated after 40!
Generally, most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. As you get older, your thirst mechanism may begin to malfunction. These signals tell you to drink when your body needs water. Aside from this, your kidney function also begins to diminish. This means your kidneys lack the ability to conserve as much as water as they once did. The combination of these two things can hurt your health significantly. It’s an excellent idea to keep a water bottle at hand all day long. It serves as an easy reminder to stay constantly hydrated!
7. Adjust Your Expectations
It’s important to note that 40-year-old you may not be able to keep up with 25-year-old you. We’re not saying that you can’t be in fantastic shape in your 40’s, we’re just saying things are probably going to be a bit different. By applying the previous 6 tips to your routine, you will set yourself up for success to be in the best shape you possibly can be.
Setting your expectations too high, often leads to disappointment and discontinuation of a workout routine. Acknowledging that your body is changing and adjusting your expectations for how fast and/or how far you can run will help you stick to a steadily progressing training routine. This will maintain safety, while also helping you reach your fitness goals.