Getting In Shape For Carnival

Even though in your 40s and beyond exercise tends to take on a new shape, the ultimate goal is to get active and stay active no matter what age we are.     For the fast approaching Carnival season you would want to able to grove to those sweet soca and calypso tunes and not be gasping for breath afterward.     Here are some activities you can try.

Start Strength Training

Strength training is known to play an integral part of a well-rounded exercise program, and is recommended for both sexes of all ages, including children and seniors.    Strength training will improve muscle mass, bone density, body composition, cardiorespiratory, and fitness to name a few.    Research has shown that strength training in the elderly reversed stress and returned gene expression giving them a more youthful appearance.

Try Yoga

Maintaining flexible muscles is another important component of your workout at age 40 and over.    Before stretching muscles should be warmed up with light cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or cycling.     Hold your body still through each stretch 20 to 30 seconds and repeat each movement two to three times.     This training can be done daily but should be done twice a week at a minimum.

Watch Your Diet

Once we start to age staying in shape can be challenging therefore days of eating fast food or late night high sugar, high carb meals are over.      Medical experts says that our metabolism starts slowing down about 5% per year after our 40^th birthday, and slow metabolism means weight gain for most people.      Therefore, all the more reason to say good-bye to high calorie eating.

Keep up-to date on Stats

Knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most accurate ways to determine when extra pounds translate into health risks says doctor at John Hopkins Hospital.    It is an important number to use to tell you how much fat you have and how much fat you have to lose.     It can also help you determine your risk of developing certain diseases.   Pay attention to the numbers below.

Morbidly Obese >40                                       Obese 30 to 39.9

Overweight 25 to 29.9                                    Healthy 19 to 24.9

Even though your BMI may be in the healthy range you still have to watch your diet and stay active.

 Calculate your BMI on my home page to see where you're at.

Stay Active Now! And Have A Healthy Safe Carnival