Episode 292: It's Never Too Late to Get Started - Plus LIVE QA

In a physical activity study that collected data from over 300,000 participants for decades, those who started adding physical activity/exercise to their lives later in life (after 40-50 years) reaped the same benefits as those who never stopped working out from their teens to their 60s. So, it is never too late to start, whether you took a few decades from exercise after your early 20s or are entirely new to physical activity at 40-50 years old.

Science Says You’re Not Too Late: Start Your Fitness Journey Now The thought of starting an exercise routine might feel overwhelming as there are so many options, and none may sound fun to you - yet. If you’ve considered a renewed path to improved fitness, rest assured that the benefits are well worth the effort. Physical activity is not just a way to shed a few extra pounds or fit into a favorite pair of jeans. It's about enhancing your quality of life as you age so you can continue doing things you enjoy (or must do). You must keep your leg muscles strong if you want to be mobile. Get out of that chair and start walking.

Research shows regular exercise can dramatically boost mood, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve heart health. If you have ever been on a fitness program, you did not need a research study to tell you this. But, the beauty of beginning (or restarting) this fitness journey after 40 is that regardless of your past physical plan or lack thereof, the health benefits and improved morality rates apply. However, if you were an athlete in your younger life and have been sedentary since your early 20s, the 20-40 years of inactivity placed you in the same category as those who never did physical activity. The key is to get moving again (or start) in your 40s if you want to walk, live longer, and prolong the effects of heart disease, cancers, or other chronic illnesses beyond 60-70 years of age.

The ultimate goal is to enter the next decade healthier than this one. Create a realistic exercise schedule that accommodates your lifestyle. Start small and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Listen to your body and find something that you enjoy, as that makes consistency happen. Consistency is key.

Unleash your full health and wellness potential and join a new fitness program! Whether you’re interested in weightlifting, yoga, or simply taking walks, there’s something for everyone. Check out the articles at the Military.com fitness section for inspiring insights and strategies to enhance your health and wellness.