Men over the age of forty on the lookout for the best fitness routines usually check out YouTube, a local gym, or even fitness magazines. As your body ages, your fitness needs change, as do the recommended exercises to get the best possible workout. 

 

There are four main categories of exercise a man over forty should concentrate on: weights, bodyweight, dynamic cardio, and core workouts. It's recommended you mix and match your workout routines to get at least 30 minutes a week of each category while supplementing with general cardio for thirty minutes the remaining three days per week. 

 

Weights 

Exercising with weights helps build overall strength and muscle mass. These exercises should be done at home with weights or in a gym with free weights.

 

1. Dumbbell Bench Presses

2. Barbell Bent-over Row

3. Kettlebell/Dumbbell Shoulder Press

4. Kettlebell/Dumbbell Squat

5. Barbell Dead-lift

 

Bodyweight Exercises

Bodyweight exercises can be done either at a gym or at home. All you need is enough room to lay down and stand up. These are great to get in a quick workout and use your own bodyweight to strengthen and tone.

 

1. Push-ups

2. Pull-ups

3. Bench/Chair Dips

4. Bodyweight Squats

5. Bodyweight Lunges

 

Cardio

Unlike traditional cardio exercises, these will increase your heart rate and lung power while engaging multiple muscle groups for a complete workout. When completing these full-body cardio routines, it’s recommended that you do a circuit of 30 seconds exercising, followed by 30 seconds of rest, then moving to the next exercise for 30 seconds. Between each full circuit allow a full 60 seconds of rest. For a full workout, complete 3-5 total circuits.

 

1. Burpees

2. Mountain Climbers

3. Squat Thrusts

4. Step-ups

5. Shuttle Runs

 

Ab/Core

While these routines work your ab and core, they also help with posture and balance. As you age, posture and balance are considerable factors in reducing the likelihood of traumatic falls and injuries, so never skip your core workouts.

 

1. Russian Kettlebell Plank

2. Side Plank

3. 2-Point Superman

4. Swiss Ball Crunch

5. Ab Wheel Rollout

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As we age, staying fit and active is very important to your overall health and wellbeing. It’s essential to set aside at least thirty minutes a day to devote to exercise. Installing these exercises in your routine will help keep you healthy, toned, and create better balance, posture, and reduce the risk of injury as you age.