After turning 50, I started to see a real change in my body: everything was getting just a tad less tight, firm and lean. And my energy was lagging, too. Not good.
Realizing that something had to be done, I spoke with a few of the best fitness experts in the country, took the best information they gave me, and created a program that strengthens, tones and fights osteoporosis (a major risk as we get older). And, I can do it at home! It’s all about going back to the basics:
- Running–with lots of walk breaks so my knees and joints don’t get hurt
- Push-Ups–one of the best ways to strengthen and tone arms, shoulders and everything above the waist
- Plank–this is truly the #1 best over-all exercise you can do because it tones and strengthens every part of your body
- Squats–if done correctly, squats can really get everything below the belt back into shape . . . fast!
I’ve been doing these exercises at least 4 times a week for a few years and now, at age 56, I’m able to do things I didn’t even THINK about doing when I was younger. Just this summer, I tried surfing with my two teenaged daughters and thanks to my stronger legs, I did it! 
But, one of the highlights of my summer last year was when I decided to try paddle-boarding. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful experiences I’ve ever had. For sure, because my core and lower body are toned and strong, staying on the board was not hard to do.
For a quick look at how to run safely after 50, do the perfect Push-Up, and really rock the Plank, check out THE BEST OF EVERYTHING AFTER 50 video series on the AARP YouTube Channel.
But today, I want to show you how to correctly do the Squat so it really works:
Don’t forget to get the ‘green light’ from your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Until next time, remember this: we can’t control getting older . . . but . . . we can control how we do it!
I want to hear from you! Let me know what you want to see on future segments of THE BEST OF EVERYTHING WITH BARBARA HANNAH GRUFFERMAN video show on the AARP YouTube Channel. For more tips on living your best life after 50 (or 60, or 70), check out www.bestofeverythingafter50.com. Keep me posted on how you’re doing by subscribing to me on Facebook and tweeting me on Twitter@BGrufferman.
3 comments
UFC Gym Spring Valley
Lunges are my next favorite butt exercise and, if you’ve done them, you certainly know why. Lunges work multiple muscles at the same time, which is why they’re so effective. On the front leg, you’ll target the butt along with the hamstrings while the back leg will fire up the quads and calves.