Strength Training After Fifty

Strength training after fifty is no longer for those people who are having some sort of mid-life crisis. In fact, doctors are literally writing prescriptions to get this generation up and moving. They are taking out the pen and prescription pad, writing something barely legible, ripping it off the pad and handing it to more and more of their patients. So what's the result? Well the result is lots of people strength training after fifty years of age. It's magical. A doctor writes a prescription to strength train! No pharmacy necessary.

Unfortunately, strength training still conjures up images of young guys with bulging peck muscles and barely there tank tops. More and more fitness centers across the United States are seeing more and more fifty+ members. And that's a great movement.

So where should you begin if you happen to be one of the many strength training after fifty people? Let's start with the basics- measurements. And I'm not talking about weight only here. I am talking about body fat percentage and resting heart rate. These two elements are critical when determining a starting point for your strength training program.

Armed with that data, we proceed to talk about goals. What do you hope to accomplish? A drop in blood pressure? A decrease in clothing size? An increase in health? Whatever your goals may be, your trainer should be properly prepared to walk with you along your journey. Remember that safety is always a top concern. Go with a trainer that you feel comfortable with.

A typical beginning routine for those strength training after fifty may look a bit like this-

* Warm-up for 5-10 minutes

* Begin with isolated (one-joint) strength training exercises such a bicep curl or chest fly

* After completing 3 sets of 12 reps for each major muscle group, move onto cardio

* Cardio can be anything that gets your heart pumping to approximately 60-70% of your maximum heart rate

Depending on your goals and health, the weight you lift and the amount of cardio performed will vary. Train well.

Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com

Lynn VanDyke is owner of http://www.strength-training-woman.com. She is certified in personal training, nutrition and yoga. Be sure to check out the No Limits ezine. It's a must-read for all things strength training.

---

Exercise and Heart Health: A Life Giving Marriage

Most people get their health out of a bottle these... Read More

Strength Training After Fifty

Strength training after fifty is no longer for those people... Read More

Tone Up While at Work

I know better than anybody that sitting at a desk... Read More

The Right Exercise Intensity

We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate... Read More

Are You A One-Dimensional Trainer?

Most people are classically biased toward one of the three... Read More

3 Steps To Starting a Successful Fall Exercise Program

Ah, the crisp cool breeze, the invigorating feel of the... Read More

Exercising In Heat

Summer is officially here. Finally you can pack away your... Read More

Best Flat Tummy Exercises for Great Female Abs

Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for... Read More

What is the Best Exercise for Weight Loss?

It is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles.... Read More

How to Avoid Using Your Home Gym as a Clothes Rack

So here's the situation?You have a home gym, treadmill, elliptical... Read More

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that... Read More

Different Exercises Schedule to Combat Diabetes, Arthritis, and Obesity!

Different Health Problems generally do not allow us to do... Read More

Avoid These Top 5 Workout Myths

Do you know the health and fitness industry is plagued... Read More

The Great Forgotten Exercise -- Parallel Bar Dips

When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal... Read More

Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 4

Welcome to article number 4 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins... Read More

Struggling To Keep Your Workout Schedule? So am I!

Sometimes following a fitness program or workout schedule is not... Read More

Thick Today Is Fat Tomorrow

As we twentysomethings get further along in our twenties, we... Read More

Exercise Tips: Move Your Body - Boost Your Productivity

Do you find yourself setting a New Year's Resolution (every... Read More

No Pain, No Gain Isnt True For Arthritis, But Exercise Is Still Important

Recent studies have shown that exercise may acually help people... Read More

10 Workout Mistakes Cheaters Make

"When I'm lifting free weights, I tend to go pretty... Read More

Bodybuilding, Weight Loss, and Exercise Tips ? Goal Setting for Long Term Results

My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More

Bodybuilding Training Tips ? To be a Champion!

Twenty two years ago I fell into the world of... Read More

Bodybuilding and Exercise ? The Ten Commandments in Making of a Champion!

1. Fill your life up with different hobbies! ? Bodybuilding... Read More

The Truth About Exercise and Why Its Not Always Good for You!

Exercise is often regarded as a panacea for many things..."if... Read More

Movement That Matters: Exercise With a Greater Purpose

You've seen the commercials Ive fallen and I cant get... Read More

Get Fit From Home-Part 2

Using The StairsNot everybody has stairs in their home, but... Read More

Best Abdominal Exercises to Get the Sexy Six Pack You Deserve

The key to getting those sexy abdominals lies mainly on... Read More

The Bad Workout: Some Advice for Female Bodybuilders

Bad workouts. We have all had them at some time... Read More

Debunking Common Exercise Myths, Part 1

Myth #1: Heavy weights make you "bulky"Heavy weights typically do... Read More

Double Calories Burned With Five Minutes Of Exercise Each Morning!

Recent studies have shown that if you perform just five... Read More

How Exercise and Beta-Glucan Help the Immune System

It is thought that moderate exercise, such as speed walking,... Read More

What is the Right Home Exercise Program for You?

What do you want to get out of the exercise... Read More

Integrating Core Stabilization into Your Workouts

Stabilization is a hot topic in the fitness industry over... Read More