Daily Exercises for Women Over 50: Essential Bodyweight Moves Recommended by a Trainer
Unleashing the Power of Bodyweight Training in Your 50s: A Comprehensive Guide by John Lee, CPT
In the golden years, as women bid farewell to their child-bearing years, the sands of time start to sculpt their bodies subtly. Changes such as a decline in muscle mass, reduced mobility, joint stiffness, altered fat distribution, and murky energy levels become the norm. Not to mention, coordination, balance, and confidence gradually dwindle, increasing the risk of falls. But fear not, a robust strength training routine is here to turn the tide! We chatted with John Lee, certified personal trainer at MK1 Personal Training, who spills the beans on the optimal bodyweight workout for women embarking on their 50s.
John, a firm believer in bodyweight training, deems it perfect for women over 50 due to its low-impact nature, equipment-free convenience, and joint-friendly approach. "This type of training not only builds strength but fosters self-assuredness, a cornerstone of healthy aging," John elaborates. This workout can be done anywhere, anytime, which makes it highly accessible and adaptable for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts alike.
The Essential Toolbox of Exercises
A well-rounded routine might include five to seven bodyweight movements. Here's a bite-sized snippet of John's expertise on essential exercises for women over 50:
Bodyweight Squats"Dubbed the kingpin of lower body exercises, bodyweight squats fortify your legs and boost hip mobility," John elucidates.
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and press your hips back as you bend your knees, forming a squat.
- Drive through your feet to rise back to standing.
- Repeat for 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
- For beginners, support your balance with a chair. More advanced gym goers can dabble with a paused squat or slow tempo to heighten the intensity.
Incline Pushups"Incline pushups send a shockwave of strength to your upper body and core," shares John.
- Plant your hands on a workout bench or wall, and maintain a plank position with your feet hip-width apart.
- Lower your chest until it brushes the object, and push back up.
- Complete 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.
- For beginners, perform pushups against a wall. More advanced fitness devotees can level up with floor pushups or feet-elevated pushups.
Glute Bridges"A potent weapon against age-related weakening, the glute bridge bolsters the glutes and lower back," explains John.
- Lie flat on your back on a workout mat with your arms extended to your sides, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Press through your heels, lifting your hips toward the ceiling, and then lower with control.
- Execute 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
- For beginners, hold the top position; advanced users can try single-leg glute bridges.
Bird Dog"The bird dog is our secret weapon for improving core stability and coordination," John unveils.
- Assuming an all-fours position, lift your left arm and right leg.
- Pause for a moment before returning to the start position.
- Switch sides and keep alternating until you've completed 2 to 3 sets of 6 to 8 reps per side.
- For beginners, raise limbs one at a time; advanced users can perform the move at a slower pace or extend the hold for additional tension.
Wall Sits"A timeless classic, wall sits strengthen the lower body and bolster endurance," John points out.
- Stand tall with your back pressed against a wall and slide down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Hold for 20 to 45 seconds, and repeat for 2 to 3 rounds.
- For beginners, start in a higher position and hold for shorter periods; advanced users can employ heel raises or other variations to ramp up the intensity.
With these amazing bodyweight exercises, women over 50 can empower themselves to conquer age, build functional strength, and dazzle the world with their ageless grace! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your workout mat, and let's kickstart this incredible journey towards a healthier, stronger, and more confident you!
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- John Lee, a certified personal trainer, recommends bodyweight training for women in their 50s due to its low-impact nature, convenience, and joint-friendly approach, which not only builds strength but also fosters self-assurance.
- Bodyweight squats, a key exercise in a well-rounded bodyweight workout for women over 50, fortify the legs and boost hip mobility, making it an essential exercise for maintaining fitness and wellness.
- The fitness-and-exercise world should take note of the transformative impact of bodyweight exercises, such as incline pushups, on the upper body and core strength of women over 50, and their role in promoting health-and-wellness.
- A well-curated bodyweight routine including glute bridges can be a potent weapon against age-related weakening, bolstering the glutes and lower back, benefiting womens-health and overall fitness.
- Embracing a strong bodyweight workout can be the key to women's empowerment in their 50s, as they combat age-related challenges, build functional fitness, and cultivate self-confidence, all while pursuing a journey towards better health and wellness.