8 Best Workouts for Women in Their 40's ...

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Now that you’re past 40, you ought to be thinking of how to do 20 to 30 minutes of good, steady cardio exercise four or five days a week. Swimming is a great way to get that cardio workout, without stressing your joints. Join a local swim club, or just use the pool at the community center, and swim laps or take a water aerobics class with a friend.

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If you’re worried that adding three days of weight training to your workout will give you big, bulging, unsexy muscles, don’t be. Weight training in your 40’s is just about toning and trimming and strength, not about adding bulk. Use low weight, and be sure to work your arms, abs, and legs… a personal trainer, gym staff member, or even good workout DVD can tell you which exercises to do, and how often.

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Yoga is all about flexibility, and it’s a wonderful way to de-stress and unwind, especially with the busy family and work life of women in their 40’s. Why not take a class two nights a week, or buy a video and try it at home? It really is a great workout, too!

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If you’re like me, your knees and ankles make it impossible for you to run any distance to get a good cardio workout. If that’s the case, no worries! You can get an amazing cardio workout on the elliptical machine at the gym, without hurting your delicate joints.

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While you ought to have started strengthening your core in your thirties, it’s not too late to start now. Your core muscles, which extend through your abs to your back, are key in preventing or treating back pain, and also in maintain good posture. Consult a personal trainer to make sure you’re doing the core exercises correctly, or you may end up injuring your back, instead of helping keep it strong!

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If your joints can still take it, and you have a good pair of jogging or walking shoes, it’s a great idea to speed-walk or jog for your cardio workout! Join or start a walking or jogging club… it’s a fantastic way to make new friends, or bond and encourage old friends!

*8 Best Workouts for Women in their 20’s …

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Biking, either on the stationary bike at the gym or a regular bike outside, is another great way to get a good cardio workout without stressing your knees or ankles. It’s also a great way to tone your legs, back and abs… I mean, have you ever seen a pro cyclist who wasn’t in great shape?

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I know I miss this one thing about spending time in clubs — the dancing! It was great cardio, and so much fun! Either take a class, or just dance at home… or plan a night out with the girls and shake your hot cougar booties in a club!

These are just a few ideas of how to get a great workout when you’re in your 40’s, and I’m sure there are so many more! Do you have any ideas to share, or do you already do some of these? Please let me know!

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