Physical activity and exercise Archive

Around age 40, most people lose some height, and the decline accelerates with age. This "shrinkage" can be slowed by preventing osteoporosis and improving posture. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help increase bone density, and exercises for the back and abdominal muscles can help with posture.

Regular resistance training, with either home-based or gym exercises, improves strength, muscle size, power, endurance, and daily function. New guidelines recommend resistance training with high effort that works all major muscle groups at least twice a week.

Exercise can lower resting heart rate and raise maximum heart rate to reduce the risk of heart attack and death.

A 2026 study of over 5,400 women ages 63 and older found that stronger grip strength and faster chair stand times were linked to lower risk of death over eight years. Risk fell by 15% for each 7-kilogram increase in grip strength and by 9% for each 6-second improvement in chair stand time.

Pilates can be a good low-impact workout option, especially as people get older. It focuses on core strength, balance, and flexibility, and can be adapted-on a mat, reformer, or even in a chair-to different abilities and comfort levels.

There are many ways people can meet the guidelines for weekly activity besides running and walking. They can do activities like boxing, swimming, cycling, basketball, dancing, and pickleball; circuit training using gym machines; and exercising at home.

Gut health plays a bigger role in overall well-being than many people realize, affecting digestion, mood, and immunity. Simple daily choices around food, movement, sleep, stress, and hydration can support a healthier, more resilient gut.

VO2 max is a way to gauge how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise, offering a window into fitness and long-term health. People can usually improve it over time with consistent aerobic activity, intervals, and smart training changes.

Somatic workouts involve paying attention to internal sensations and responses during physical movements. These movements help people become more aware of how their body moves. Somatic workouts can reduce pain and muscle tension and calm anxiety.