You've heard it before: 50 is the new 30. While it's true that middle age no longer looks like it used to, our bodies do change each decade and that's especially true for women. In this month's fitness report: a look at how to be fit after 50.
Whether they're running, rowing or tackling flights of stairs, Sharon Rowe, Chris Sebesta and Missy Schwartz prove that you can be fit after 50.
Sharon says, "You look at 50-year-olds now and think no, there's no way."
Sharon knows that exercise is a big part of that.
She says, "I really think exercise makes energy so the more you do exercise and are committed to that it seems like your energy level stays fairly high."
Chris found that the benefits don’t end there. The lifelong exerciser-turned-grandma navigated menopause with workouts.
"It kept me more even-keeled and sleep, I sleep well," she said. "From a stress perspective I can come in and work out and relieve all that."
Certified Fitness Trainer Lori Johnson says it's not about getting older but about staying active. Clients in their 50s and beyond realize they have a lot to look forward to.
Lori says, "Retired people are the busiest people I know, traveling a lot, want to be with their grandkids, really busy and want to enjoy life, not be couch potatoes and have knee, hip, and shoulder replacements as they get older."
Missy Schwartz is a recent convert. When she started exercising in her 50s, she lost 20 pounds but gained something more.
She says, "It just really improves your confidence. It seems like such a daunting task in the beginning that when you accomplish things and your body starts to change it just makes you feel better about yourself."
Missy describes it as a gift - one that these three women give themselves.
People in their 50s need cardio, strength, flexibility and core work to feel their best and delay aging.
