5 Exercises to Avoid After 40

Out of all the workouts I've tried, there's one that takes the cake for how many times it's hurt me.

Nothing too serious, just so you know.

Ice hockey is the reason I dealt with a sports hernia for over a year.

I’m not really sure what messed up my spinal discs to the point where my doctor thought I might have multiple sclerosis, but I guess it’s probably a mix of lifting heavy stuff and sitting around for too long without taking breaks.

But when it comes to annoying injuries, the winner is definitely … lifting anything over my head.

This movement has resulted in innumerable migraines in addition to various neck muscle aches and strains.

It's also no little matter that I experience migraine with aura, which is essentially the same as having a stroke.

My issue has always been that I want to strengthen my shoulders more, and practicing overhead exercises appears to be the best method to achieve this (feel free to offer suggestions if you have any).

In any case, I'm thinking about it this week because I recently read an interview with a fitness expert who listed the top five workouts that they believe can ruin your body after the age of forty.

It didn't include overhead lifting, but some of the things that are could surprise you.

Five workouts that will probably ruin your body after 40

Kelly Najjar, the trainer, told Eat This, Not That, a website dedicated to health and wellness. that as you approach the second half of your life, injury prevention becomes just as vital as exercise.

"Many people are unable to enjoy an active retirement due to pain and its limitations."Avoiding these exercise habits is crucial for taking care of your body now that you are over 40.

"You can continue doing the things you enjoy as you age if you can safely maintain your strength, balance, and endurance."

These are the five workouts that Najjar, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach, recommended you consider avoiding if you're over 40.

The first workout that anyone over 40 should avoid

According to Najjar, plyometrics is the first workout that can seriously harm your body after the age of forty.

What are plyometrics?

I had to look them up, so it appears that I don't do them very often.

They are essentially any exercise that uses explosive movement with the goal of gaining muscle. We're discussing exercises like medicine ball tossing, box jumps, and squat jumps.

Although those could help you develop a strong body, they are also very taxing on your joints.

You may understand why these can be a no-no if you have ever had the experience of straining your back when stooping over to pick up a pencil, let alone a hefty medicine ball.

The second exercise that people over 40 should avoid

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is the second exercise you should consider increasing as you get older.

Najjar specifically advises against sprints because of the lengthy recovery periods required in the event of an emergency.

Instead, elliptical or jogging exercises are advised.

The third exercise that those over 40 should avoid

For good cause, I had previously removed this before reading the article.

My spinal discs are prone to slippage, as I previously stated.

It is unfathomable how painful it is when they fall out, even though the body can miraculously relocate them back into position and have you ready to go again in a matter of weeks.

Additionally, it makes you feel afraid every time you bend over or even slightly strain your back.

That's why Najjar and I advise against doing crunches and sit-ups.

Yoga and simple planks have worked well for me as substitutes.

The fourth workout error that can ruin your body after 40

Najjar highlights that one of the most significant errors is not something you are doing, but rather something you are not doing.

In particular, practicing your balance.

The instructor clarifies:

"Do standing three-way kicks with weight (bands) if you have good balance and want to keep it into your prime time."You might ask your doctor for a few physical therapy sessions to find out the best workouts for you if your balance has declined.

The fifth workout error that can ruin your body after 40

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins is my all-time favorite audiobook about self-improvement.

(If you would want to check it out, here is my affiliate link.) Strongly, strongly advised if you need motivation.

Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner, has damaged his body more severely than most people, and he finally paid the price when his body began to fail him.

Indeed, there were moments when he considered abandoning part of the rigorous training for which he is now well-known.

Until he began stretching, that is, he claimed. a few hours each day.

At forty-three, I have made stretching a part of my daily regimen, even though I don't go as far as Goggins (very few do).

I now practice yoga for an hour on days when I don't go to the gym.

Just to limber up a little and avoid muscle and joint aches later in the day, I make sure to work out for 20 minutes on the days that I do go to the gym.

Najjar concurs, advising Eat This, Not That that after a fantastic workout, it can be tempting to get in the shower right away, but you should resist the urge and stretch on the mat.

General aches and pains are caused by tight muscles pulling on the joints they support. Long-term joint pressure can cause osteoarthritis.

As you've aged, what kind of exercise have you stopped doing?

Why did you decide to stop?

Tell me in the comments below!