Once upon a time, you were the human sparkplug. Giving up wasn’t in your vocabulary. You were super-active and super-strong. But, that was then, this is now – you’re a middle-aged man with a diluted fuse, looking for a spring in your step. We have you covered!
Forty is a wonderful time to take a deep breath and do a little introspection and say, ‘Alright, there’s something I need to do to make sure I don’t need a stair lift in my 60s.’ Know that a body in its 40s does not burn fat or build muscle as it did two decades ago. But that’s no reason to stop looking after your health. Studies show that our bodies are always in a “use it or lose it” situation. The longer we stay active, the longer we’ll be full of life.
We’re not here to age-shame you; this is just a mere highlight of how you should be in your 40s, symmetrical, fit, sexy, and with the energy of a high-school student. So, are you ready to age like fine wine? Here are some essential rules all men turning or over 40 should pin to their foreheads if they want to make it to their 60s and beyond, looking fresh off a fashion runway.
- Be open about your sexual issues
Let’s start with the most important one. After turning 40, men begin to experience a decline in their testosterone levels. This can result in fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, and a decreased interest in having sex. However, low testosterone levels aren’t the only cause of low libido. The net result might be a decrease in confidence and a decline in intimacy with your partner.
Sure, strengthening your core and bumping up testosterone levels might help revive sexual abilities. Still, if you’re looking for a quicker fix, a few certified drugs are available. For instance, sildenafil 100mg UK is a safe and effective cure for men who have problems getting it up. It’s also a great alternative to those overly expensive and not-so-great Viagra tablets. Before you start using it, take it up with your doctor; have her/him decide the dose and have your sexual problems dealt with before it’s too late.
- Scale back with high-intensity workouts
You may have felt like the man in your prime, lifting heavy weights, going for five-mile runs. But as we grow older, our bodies become more fragile and less tolerable to the same level of intensity. We might also have different body aches. When you’re young, wild, and free, you can get away with doing almost any sort of high-intensity workout. However, while movement is essential, we need to do good for our bodies as we age. That said, you should move away from high-intensity workouts. Instead, stick to running, swimming, walking, or ride a bike. This way, you’ll continue exercising your muscles and bones without risking injury.
- Meditate
Going to the gym will power your body, and meditating will exercise your brain. You don’t have to meditate for hours; a 15-minute routine every day can help reduce pain, depression, and anxiety. If you’ve never tried meditating before, your 40s is the best time to get started. Yoga can be an excellent practice to slide you into that mindful state. So lay down that mat and start easing your mind. It also does wonders for your body’s flexibility and sexual drive.
- Cut down on alcohol
If you’re one of those who start the day with a bottle of beer or tequila shot, STOP! As you get older, different health problems may develop and become worse with excessive drinking. Cutting back on alcohol means you’re at little risk of developing long-term health illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, or liver cirrhosis (scarring). The results of this will cleanse your entire body. You’ll have more energy and might even lose some weight.
- Mind your bucket
There’s an old Zen parable about two monks. One of them gets angry at how the other monk can accomplish while filling buckets with water. What’s the lesson? The moral here is that the monk should only focus on what he can do, not compare his accomplishments with the other because that’ll leave you in a rabbit-turtle situation.
Sure, some 80-year-olds are still benching heavyweights and have a lot of blood pumping through their veins, but that’s got nothing to do with you. Remain healthy, active, and only compare yourself against where you want to be, not where you are.
- Make fiber your best friend
Fiber should always be a vital component of your diet regardless of your age. As your metabolism experiences a lag around the age of 40, eating meals with fewer calories can skyrocket health-related problems. But you should also ensure to get adequate fluids and fiber. Fiber helps maintain bowel function, lowers the risk of colon cancer, and is an excellent agent for overall heart health. Therefore, ensure that your eating plan is full of lean protein, vegetables, nutrient-dense food, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Ideally, you should aim for 40 grams of fiber every day.
- Keep an eye out for stress
A sniping co-worker, a bad commute, a long line at the food section – these tiny micro-stresses, which we tolerate daily, can lead to a macro issue. Add a dash of financial troubles, pre-existing health conditions, relationship problems, and you have a ticking timebomb. The stress will ruin your mental and physical health. Stress can also cause long-term damage to the way your hormonal systems and brain works. Therefore, it is imperative to take active measures, such as regular therapy, medications, and meditation, to de-stress your life.
- Remember to take it easy
They say, “It’s better to be sore than sorry,” but for a 40-year-old, that might not be ideal. Your body might not recover as quickly as it once did when you were in your 20s. Therefore, it is essential to take it easy and allow yourself to pump the brakes and have some time for salvation. Whenever we exercise, our body changes to get used to the stress that we put on it. The end-product of these adaptations can include reduced muscle strength, soreness, fatigue, and less power. Giving your body the rest it deserves after a long day is essential. So get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated!
The Takeaway
You see, turning 40 doesn’t mean your days of good looks and intense workouts are over. It just means you need to start living differently. Remember, your body is a reflection of your lifestyle, so stop treating it as if you’re going to get another one after turning 40. By following the above-said rules of glory, you can ensure that the number 40 marks the start of many more healthy and happy decades. Soon, you’ll start witnessing the results, which will get you hooked on fitness for life. So quit sagging like an 80-year old and starting acting your age!
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