It can be difficult to know where to start when you want to begin an exercise regime after the age of 50. If you are new to exercise or it has been many years since you were last active, starting to

work out can be a challenge. But exercise is highly beneficial at any stage of life – and particularly as you get older. Here’s how to start a fitness routine over 50.

1. Include a complete range of activities to benefit your whole health.

It is important to enjoy a variety of different activities so you benefit your health in different ways. This is especially important as you get older. You should include cardiovascular exercise, stretching, and strength training. Cardiovascular exercise helps your heart and improves blood flow around the body. It also increases your stamina so you are better able to take part in everyday activities without getting out of breath. You should try for 20 minutes of cardiovascular work per session, three or four times a week. Stretching is good for maintaining movement in your joints and avoiding conditions like osteoarthritis – Pilates and yoga are good. Strength training is using weights or resistance to condition and strengthen the muscles. You can also reduce the risk of injury to your back.

2. Make exercise a part of your everyday routine.

You don’t need to go to the gym five days a week in order to get fit. Activities that move your body all help to increase your fitness, whether this movement takes place on the treadmill or when walking around the mall. Try to build up your fitness by looking for ways to be active in your day to day life. For example:

Go walking whenever you can. If you have a dog, take him for long walks. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one. Park several blocks away from your destination so you have to walk the extra distance. Always walk to talk to your colleagues rather than emailing or calling.
Make sure you have some comfortable shoes in the car or your bag so you can be active at a moment’s notice.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

3. Choose activities you enjoy.

Don’t struggle through an exercise class if you hate it – choose something you love and it won’t feel like you’re working out. For example, you can take a dance class or go swimming.