When a woman hits the age of forty, her chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporos, heart disease, arthritis and obesity rise significantly. However, a proper diet combined with physical fitness can help to keep you in shape as you get older. Three important areas of fitness include core strengthening, cardiovascular exercise and weight training.

First, core strengthening can be achieved through Yoga or Pilates programs. These types of exercise will strengthen the body while also improving balance. It also incorporates stretching techniques that will help maintain joints. Many local gyms and community centers offer Yoga and Pilates classes.

Next, cardiovascular exercise is an important part of physical fitness that will help prevent heart disease and other medical conditions triggered by obesity. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day. This can be achieved by walking or jogging, dancing or even housework. Anything that raises the pulse can be considered cardiovascular exercise.

Finally, weight training should play a key role in the physical fitness program for women over the age of 40. Lifting weights has many benefits such as building muscle, increasing bone density, improved posture, adding strength and toning the body. Muscle also increase the body’s metabolism which allows women to burn calories at a faster rate. It isn’t necessary to join a gym for weight training because it can easily be achieved with simple hand weights available at most stores.

In addition to reducing a woman’s chances for developing a variety of health conditions, physical fitness can have many other benefits for women over the age of 40. Women who consistently exercise can reduce the hot flashes associated with menopause. They can also minimize joint pain, lower their stress and anxiety levels, ease symptoms of depression and even help women to sleep more soundly.