A Practical Workout Guide for Your Dad

During Men’s Health Month this June, you might be thinking about the health of your dad and the other important men in your life. For men in the 40-60 age group, it can be tempting to settle into a more couch-bound routine, but doing so could dramatically increase the chances of death within the next 12 years. Whether you are trying to get in shape yourself or you want to encourage dad to get active this summer, consider these helpful tips for exercising amidst midlife challenges.

Start out slow

If you’ve slowed down over the years, you probably won’t have success jumping right back into the same weight lifting routine you used in your 20s. Taking on too much too fast can result in injuries, so stick with light to moderate exercise with gradually increasing difficulty.

Try new workouts

Facing the physical changes of the aging process can make certain workouts more of a challenge, which means it may be time to try something new. Yoga, for example, can be helpful for maintaining strength and flexibility as muscle mass diminishes and joints lose their range of motion. More and more men are embracing yoga, but those who are still self-conscious can practice at home with some staple poses.

Check in with the doctor

Not only will you want to seek your doctor’s advice on exercising safely, but you might have added motivation when you know your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and other key numbers in your health. With these numbers in mind, you might set more health-based goals rather than weight-based goals, and this may keep you on track with your workouts.

No time to see your primary physician? MeMD will help you stop making excuses with online medical consultations, available on any schedule from the comfort of home.