Many times, age can be seen as an obstacle when it comes to practicing a sport and wanting to run, especially if you have never done it before. This is seen more frequently in people in their forties and older. But should running after 40 be an impediment?

Running after 40

According to statistics, it has been proven that the optimal age range for runners to enhance and maximize their abilities is between 20 and 40. However, from age 30 onwards, the body’s functionality begins to diminish until it progressively decreases.

Does this mean that age does affect the world of running? Yes, but that does not mean you cannot practice sports or run after 40. On the contrary, physical activity can be very helpful for your health and functioning; the secret is to know your times, be disciplined, and know that age will determine your ability to achieve various goals and objectives.

What does science say?

Science has determined that cellular regeneration begins to slow down after the age of 30, so our recovery time and bodies are expected to work more slowly.

Although we should not rush before this fact, it is essential to understand that even elite runners and any person go through this process since aging is a natural stage of life.

Studies reveal that the aerobic capacity of highly trained middle-aged men is reduced by 5 to 7% per decade. This is due to the loss of calcium, muscle, and cognitive capacity, which can also be accompanied by pathologies such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress problems that have become more common in patients in recent decades.

The importance of running

This is when running takes center stage and gives meaning to what was explained above. Although a person of forty or more does not have the same physical capabilities as a younger one, this does not mean that he or she should not run.

Even though the conditions are not the same, a body that exercises, practices exercises such as running regularly, and keeps in shape will obtain results that will translate into greater vitality and an organism with more capacity to fight aging and diseases such as those mentioned above.

People of adult age or even senior citizens who are regular runners have achieved health results that show that exercising is a fundamental step to achieving a healthy life; managing to regulate blood pressure in the case of hypertensive patients, maintaining a musculature with good tone and flexibility in the case of arthritic patients, among others.

Before you start

It is important that if you are going to enter the world of running, as a first step, you should visit a specialist and get a medical checkup to determine your physical condition so that you can plan training that suits your needs. As a second step, you should set goals in mind, whether it is to stay healthy and in constant movement, qualify for a category, or train to attend an event by completing a specific distance.

Next Steps

Finding a training plan suitable for runners over 40 is essential to achieve visible long-term goals safely, healthily, and under the protection and advice of qualified professionals.

Finally, it is essential to understand that although age sets your pace, it is never too late to start running and that exercising correctly, consistently, and respecting the routine can help you achieve great results in your health and well-being.

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