More people than ever are embracing the “life begins at 50” mindset, and for good reason. For example, there are plenty of older athletes to draw inspiration from who have achieved stay fit at 50 Y achieve peak physical fitness. Look no further than an ultra-endurance athlete, rich rollor Ironman athlete and coach, sophia laura, who are shining examples of this 50 and over feeling. So if you’re wondering if you’re doing the right thing after 50 to longevity, we’ve got you covered. we chatted with Antoine Hamelin, CPTpersonal trainer and CEO of first step fitnesswho shares five telltale signs you’re in great shape at 50.
While this mindset strengthens and helps promote healthy agingthere’s real science to back it up. researchers have found that regular physical activity is critical to managing healthy aging and well-being, especially for older adults. For example, strength training as you age helps preserve muscle, increase mobility, improve balance and add years to your lifeaccording to the National Institute on Aging. Similarly, regular cardiovascular exercise, such as walking and jogging, can boost your mood, sharpen your brain, and improve your heart health—all factors that dramatically reduce your risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer, according to a study. revision published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Read on to discover five tell-tale signs that you’re in great shape at 50. Doing so will give you peace of mind and peace of mind knowing you’ll be getting the most out of life for years to come.
If your doctor comments on how healthy you are at your annual checkup, or if your friends and family regularly comment on how good you look “for your age,” this could indicate that you’re in excellent shape.
“You’re a doctor’s dream patient if you’re one of the few who after age 50 has normal blood pressure, perfect blood tests, sleeps well, and maintains a healthy body weight,” says Hamelin. “These things don’t happen by accident after 50, and your doctor knows it.”
You know you’re doing something right when your kids or grandkids ask you to chase them or play sports with them (depending on their age). That means you’ve probably done it with them before and are a fun, active parent.
“Whether it’s flag football, soccer or hockey, your kids know you can keep up and give them a good challenge. That’s because you’ve been in good shape since they were little and they know you can be 50 years old, but that still moves you like you’re 30,” says Hamelin.
If you can still help a neighbor move, carry groceries, go on hikes with younger family members, and get down on one knee to clean the floor, then you have the trifecta of fitness at 50—strength, good cardiovascular health and mobility.
Hamelin explains, “If you can do 20 push-ups in a row, 5+ pull-ups, run a 5K in under 30 minutes, and are flexible enough to do parallel squats and any lunge variation, you’re in shape!”
People often say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, a sure sign that you are in excellent physical and mental shape at 50 is if you are ready for new challenges, challenges in the form of sports and activities that you haven’t done before.
Hamelin tells us, “If you want to try activities like mountain biking or cross-country skiing for the first time, that’s a sign that you’re in good shape,” Hamelin explains. “It means you know your fitness level, strength, balance and coordination are great and you can try new things without risking injury. So go ahead and play hard, you’ve earned it!”
Healthy, fit people rarely fall prey to fad diets or the latest food trends. This is because they already have healthy eating habits and stay active year-round to maintain a healthy weight, so there’s no need to go on restrictive diets or count calories.
“If your lifestyle includes eating right most of the time, strength training, and cardio most days of the week, you’re on the right track,” says Hamelin. “You have your lifestyle because it not only gives you a healthy body, but also helps you feel good mentally and you can’t imagine living any other way.”
