Exercising after 40 isn’t much different than exercising when you’re younger, you just have to pay closer attention to your body’s needs. Adding more recovery time is beneficial when exercising after 40 so that you don’t overdo anything and injure yourself. You shouldn’t have to limit yourself just because you’re aging, and a popular way to exercise over 40 is by getting a personal trainer.
Hiring a Personal Trainer
Many adults want to regularly work out, but feel they do not have the time or knowledge to properly exercise. Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to avoid both of these issues. A common misconception regarding personal trainers is that you must meet with them every day. Some plans do include daily meetings, but these are specialized plans intended for customers with specific goals. On average, you only meet with your personal trainer once or twice a week for short periods.
Working with a Personal Trainer
Everyone over 40 who is looking for a personal training routine will have a different experience with their fitness trainer. This is because fitness trainers personalize their programs based on your needs. During your first meeting, the trainer asks many questions to determine what you are comfortable with and your overall fitness goals. They also take into consideration any issues you have which makes it harder to work out. This includes medical conditions and how often you normally work out. If you are out of shape, trainers start with a simpler plan to build up your endurance.
While you are making your plan, personal trainers will demonstrate the exercises to you. This ensures your safety and also guarantees you get the maximum benefits from your workout. This is especially important if you were previously working out alone and were unsatisfied with the results.
Personal trainers also help with motivation. Depending on your goals, it may take several months to start seeing results. It is easy to get discouraged during this time and feel like you are making no progress. Fitness trainers help you maintain a positive outlook on your workout. Your trainer may shift up your plan if you are not enjoying yourself, focusing on different areas so you are trying something new and staying invested in the workout. They can also reassess your goals so you feel more productive. If nothing else, some clients benefit just from having someone who is on their side and encouraging them not to give up, especially after a challenging session.
When to Hire a Fitness Trainer
The most common reason to hire a fitness trainer is when you are not seeing the desired results after working out. In many cases, this is because there is a flaw with your workout regime, which a personal trainer can correct. Common issues include focusing on the wrong type of workouts, which are at odds with your overall goals or using incorrect techniques while you exercise.
If you are unsure where to even begin with your workout, you can hire a fitness trainer for a few sessions. This is why many gyms offer new members a few sessions with a personal trainer.
Your fitness trainer can explain the difference between broad type of workouts, such as weight training, cardio or flexibility exercises. In addition to showing you how to use equipment and which activities are right, they also explain how to make a schedule and maximize your workout time without pushing your body too far.
Picking the Right Fitness Trainer
If you want to succeed at your workout, you must pick a personal trainer you are comfortable with. One of the first questions to ask a potential trainer is whether they specialize in a specific area. For example, some personal trainers only work with newer clients, while others focus on muscle building and not weight loss. Do not be afraid to ask about their overall experience and previous clients they worked with. If your trainer is partnered with a gym, ask if you can speak with a previous client.
Make sure your fitness trainer has the right certifications, especially if you are hiring a trainer from a third-party source. There are multiple certification agencies for personal trainers. The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) is one of the largest agencies, but there is also the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), YMCA and IDEA.
Another consideration is cost. Your personal trainer must be upfront with how much their services cost. Most fitness trainers charge you on an hourly basis, but some either use a monthly rate or charge by session. The cost varies based on where you live, but on average, fitness trainers charge between $40 to $80 an hour. If you are part of a gym, you may have discounted services or even free sessions based on your membership level.
Common Exercises for Those After 40
When aging, it’s important to focus on strength exercises since muscle mass naturally starts declining after 40. Resistance training is also beneficial. Exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and rows are great options for strength and resistance training.
Focus on mobility and stretches when curating your new fitness routine. Alternating the type of exercises you do every week will help your body preserve its joint health. Proper stretching and workouts like pilates and yoga can help keep your body nimble and flexible as you age as well.
Just because you’re older than 40, it doesn’t mean your workout routine has to be altered drastically. You can still crush your workouts, but maybe don’t do the most high-intensity Crossfit routines that you would have once done in your twenties. Also, don’t underestimate the power of stretching.
