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Turning 40 is the new 20s. But, remember your body is not what it used to be in its 20s. At 40 and over, women’s bodies go through several challenges. The older you grow the more the challenges. Which is even more reason to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need through a healthy diet.

Now, despite all the exercise and fitness regime and being careful with your diet, you find that your waistline is expanding and don’t know what to do. Let me tell there is no magic formula, but certainly, I can say there is hope.

Did you know? When a woman is her 30s, the body’s metabolism (the rate that helps you burn calories) begins to slow down. In turn, means that she turns 40, she needs about 6 per cent fewer calories than when she was younger. This leaves little less room for that extra piece of pie those oily and carbohydrates filled French fries.

Most women fret over the fact that they are unable to maintain their beauty and body after their first pregnancy. This is because most turn to be careless towards their health, diet and medication. During pregnancy women generally face problems like the weakness of bones because of the deficiency of calcium, lower back pain due to lack of strength of lower back muscles same applies for knee pain as well.

Well, it’s not too late… You can be in your 40s and still be fit and feel good about yourself. Good food choices and exercise in your 40s and 50s can have a significant effect on your health and quality of life in your 60s, 70s and 80s. It’s never too late to start.

In my neighbourhood, I had a woman who was in her early 40s and she was detected with diabetes and blood pressure. Further due to weak knees she wasn’t able to do any kind of physical workout and that led her to become very lethargic and inactive. She knew I was in the fitness industry and a personal trainer and so approached me for some tips on how she can be fit at her age.

Her is what I suggested to her …

Exercise – When you are over 40 and if you haven’t been fitness training then lifting any kind of weights or doing cardio in the gym might become strenuous … so here’s a solution …

* Walking – is better than any exercise… it helps to maintain and build your lost muscles as we age and also increases metabolism in the body. WALKING & EXERCISE also helps us to keep our heart more healthy and prevent illness.

*Yoga – Yoga is good for adults of all ages. Studies have shown that yoga can be extremely helpful when it comes to combating stress, fatigue and pain. Some yoga poses increase core strength and balance, which reduces the risk of fall-related injuries. Other poses can alleviate senior women-related health issues such as menopause. Above all, yoga is a form of exercise that can help senior women feel better and younger. Here are some of the yoga asanas which can help

(1)  Pranayama: Yoga Sutra cites Pranayama as a means to accomplishing higher status of awareness. The holding of breath is an important practice of reaching ultimate salvation or Samadhi. “Prana” is Breath or vital energy in the body. On subtle levels, prana represents the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and “ayama” means control. Pranayama means the holding up of the process of exhaling and inhaling.

(2)  Surya Namaskara: Surya Namaskara has its origins in Hindu worship of the solar deity. It is a completely safe set of yoga poses that will not cause strain or injury. Surya Namaskar provides all of the key health benefits of yoga in a very concise package. This holistic exercise provides not only physical health benefits but also mental or emotional as well as spiritual benefits. The apparent gain of Surya Namaskar is the workout it provides for the muscles, but it also benefits joints, ligaments and the skeletal system by improving posture, flexibility and balance. 

(3)  Yoga Mudra: Yoga mudra in an entwined contemplative posture and cures constipation; exercises the intestines and has beneficial effects for asthmatics. It is a perfect asana for women who want to hang on to their beauty and youthfulness. It activates and exercises the lungs, cures loss of appetite, ulcer, indigestion and constipation. It also makes spine, waist, veins and muscles flexible, cures diabetes and reduces obesity

Spice it up: As you grow older, your taste buds decrease, causing many people to eat more bitter and sweet foods. Adding, natural herbs and spices to meals can keep the food healthy and appealing without adding more fat, salt and/or sugar.

Fruits and veggies: Eat two cups of fruit like oranges, apple and watermelon and 2 ½ cups of vegetables with variety each day. One serving can be a cup of frozen or fresh fruit or half a cup of dried fruit. If you have difficulty chewing raw fruits and vegetables, consider adding soups, vegetable juice, tomato sauce, stir fry or a cup of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Stay hydrated: Ageing diminishes thirst perception. Drink fluids throughout the day. Water is probably the best calorie-free beverage and best for a flawless skin, but don’t go for soda’s and those carbohydrate drinks can be harmful to your blood sugar level.

Women in their 40s and above should never feel old but, feel good about themselves. You can feel energized and fit by doing these simple exercises. You follow this regime you will achieve your goal. All you need some willpower and dedication to follow a routine.  

As you embrace the journey of aging, remember that wellness knows no age limit. With dedication to exercise, yoga, and a balanced diet, women over 40 can thrive in both body and spirit. Take charge of your health today and unlock the vitality that lies within you.

We hope this article helps you! For more articles on Women’s Health, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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