Fitness

5 reasons you might want to strengthen your core after 50

Everything is done and dusted. The kids are settled, you are thinking about retirement, and life has had its moments. And somehow you have pulled through all of this. You might start imagining yourself resting off on a cruise or camping out in a forest, but little do you know, your 50’s bring a whole […]

Everything is done and dusted. The kids are settled, you are thinking about retirement, and life has had its moments. And somehow you have pulled through all of this. You might start imagining yourself resting off on a cruise or camping out in a forest, but little do you know, your 50’s bring a whole new set of problems.

One of the biggest threat is that your body might give up sooner than expected. This means that if you could run for hours in your 30s or 40s, you might be tired after jogging for a few seconds when you reach your 50s.

If you never paid attention to exercising or healthy eating, well, it’s never too late to change your habits. Why is it essential to strengthen your core after 50? What are the benefits of core strengthening exercises? Continue reading to find out more.

It’s free, and it’s healthy:

In the old days when automated cars did not exist, people would travel from one place to another by foot. This made them more efficient at handling tougher jobs. Not only core exercises such as planks can be done without investing in expensive equipment, but you will also feel a marked difference in your mood.

Surprisingly physical activity will boost your happy hormones, and you won’t feel stressed out anymore. You will soon see how exercising the core can build the stamina you need to help around the house.

Your grandchildren will just love the way you lift them high in the air, and your kids will be surprised to see how you can manage to carry heavy grocery bags or move living room furniture without any help.

Helps fight Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a degenerative joint disease. It weakens your bones, and common symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, stiffness and reduced mobility.

One of the best things you can do for your lower back and hips is keep your core engaged and strong. Core strengthening exercises work the quads, core muscles, and hip flexors and they are just fantastic for people with osteoarthritis particularly in the knees or hips.

When you perform core exercises, you’re basically training your body to rely more on strong muscles, and this takes stress off your painful, inflamed joints. Like any other fitness routine, you must perform core exercises on a daily basis.

Bridges, planks, and lying leg lifts not only support your joints and core muscles but lead to less pain and greater mobility. Don’t forget to ask your doctor before starting any exercise regime especially if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition.

A form of meditation:

Studies reveal that specific core exercises such as planks are an excellent way to improve blood flow, overall mood and relieve yourself of the pressure that tends to build up in the muscles. People at 50 often face mood swings, and it is better for you to start planking than to overthink.

Remember, you can kill two birds with one stone. Not only core exercises help improve your mental health but your physical health as well. For a better experience, try breathing deeply for 60 seconds in between the sets.

Say your goodbyes to Backaches and Cramps:

If you’ve recently crossed 50 and you do not get cramps, you are a fortunate person indeed, but for those who have started facing them early on, you might want to begin core exercises as soon as possible.

Cramps can be excruciating and may also render you ‘useless’ for quite some time. Not only you are bedridden for days, but this can have adverse effects on your health. You must realize that if you can run a marathon at 50 and feel like a 20-year-old even when you are not, you can do anything. It isn’t impossible until it’s done and those cramps do not stand a chance if you make core exercises an integral part of your daily routine.  

You will sleep better:

Who doesn’t like to sleep peacefully? Well, you surely don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with intense pain in your lower back and the pain is so severe that you cannot even turn sides let alone walk. Now you don’t have to worry about finding hour-long exercises to strengthen your back muscles and improve your sleeping pattern.

You just need to pay proper attention to core strengthening exercises for a good 20 minutes every day before sleeping, and you are good to go. Your body releases a chemical called endorphins during physical activity which is also known as your body’s relaxing drug. This will help you get a good night’s rest.

Conclusion:

Who says you cannot go to the beach or party at a club when you’re old? Who says you cannot climb a mountain or go hike up a hill when you feel like it? All of this is possible if you just pay attention to your core.

At 50’s you generally look at life and go like, “I guess this is the start of the end” however, you never know how long you might live, so it’s better to make the most of it. Life doesn’t give second chances, and you might have spent most of your life working hard. But now that you have a chance to live your life to the fullest go explore the world with a healthy back, a strong core, and a healthy mind.