Four Rules to Grow Younger, Stronger, Sexier

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Filed under: Fitness, Fit After 40

If you’re over 40 and still haven’t found that single motivator to convince you to embrace exercise, how’s this: the odds are in your favor that you’ve got another 40 years ahead of you, and if you’re not strong, that’s a really long time to feel frail and stale. This premise is the driving force behind the popular book series “Younger Next Year,” by co-author Dr. Henry S. Lodge. Here are some of his straight-to-the point directives for making your life extraordinary and youthful all the way through.

Join a gym: Even though you may do non-gym activities like biking, skiing and running, you still need to drag yourself to a place twice a week to lift some weights so you can continue to build muscle. And FYI, curling three-pound dumbbells isn’t weight training. “The weights should feel heavy and challenging and require you to engage your legs, back, arms and core. You should also have access to a variety of machines and props so you can work your muscles in all sorts of ways,” said Lodge.

Which is the best gym for you? “The one you’ll go to,” he said. “In most cases, the gym closest to your home or office is best. That said, if you don’t like that one, look farther away. Your muscles could care less where you go. Ideally you want a gym with members of all ages.” And if you’re self-conscious at first, the author promises you’ll eventually get over it.

Work out — hard: “The ‘park further from the mall so you can walk more’ advice is stupid,” Lodge said. “Or it’s a viable strategy if you’re planning to die just short of your 70s. But for those of us who plan to live well into our 80s, a higher level of fitness is required.”

It’s true: All the science says your level of brain function, energy, optimism and sex drive is directly tied to your level of fitness. “Sure, being a little bit fit is better than being sedentary, but why stop there?” said Lodge. “That’s like saying, what’s the least good life I can have versus what’s the best?” If you’re not sure what vigorous, respectable exercise means — and here’s a hint: It’s not a brisk walk — take a spin class.

Celebrate your fit body and sharp mind: Obviously Helen Mirren knows she’s a knockout in a bikini, and I’m guessing it makes her feel young and incredibly cool. Do the same for yourself. Whether you speed through your first tri or just feel sleek walking down the street, take pride in how you feel and appreciate your efforts. I take particular note when I bound up the subway steps while everyone around me is trudging and how sexy I feel when I’m drenched in sweat after a five-mile run. Maybe for you it will be noticing greater performance at work or an increased libido. Working out translates to a better version of you by a huge margin.

Just do it: You don’t have to like the investment; you just need to like the reward. “When it’s not fun, so what? You have to have the discipline to do unpleasant work sometimes. The bottom line is the payoff is enormous,” said Lodge. “Your body’s cell turnover provides you with brand-new muscle cells every 100 days. It’s like getting a new body every few months. Whether that body is better or worse than the old one is up to you.”

Learn how yoga can also help you live longer.

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Filed under: Fitness

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