It is important to avoid these five workouts beyond the age of 40, according to a fitness expert.

One of the workouts that I have performed throughout my life stands out from the others because of the sheer number of times that it has caused me to get injuries.

Bear in mind that these are not the most severe injuries.

Because of ice hockey, I had a sports hernia that lasted for more than a year and caused me a lot of discomfort.

And I don't know exactly what caused my spinal discs to get so out of whack that it led my doctor to hypothesise that I had multiple sclerosis, but I suspect that it was some combination of lifting too much weight and sitting for too long without taking breaks.

On the other hand, when it comes to nagging ailments, the trophy belongs to... lifting any form of weight above my head.

Not only has this action produced all types of neck muscle problems and strains, but it has also generated innumerable migraines as a consequence.

That is not a trivial matter, considering that I suffer from migraines with aura, which are essentially the same as having a stroke.

The difficulty has always been that I want to grow my shoulders more, and doing overhead activities appears to be the most effective method of achieving this (open to suggestions if you have any).

Anywho, it’s on my mind this week since I just came across an interview with 1 fitness guru who disclosed what they think are the 5 worst workouts that ruin your body after 40.

While lifting above was not included on the list, you may be shocked by some of the other tasks that are included.

5 workouts that are most likely to damage your body after 40

The trainer, Kelly Najjar, told health and wellness blog Eat This, Not That! that although exercise is incredibly vital as you approach the second part of your life, injury avoidance becomes just as crucial.

“Pain and its limitations prevent many from enjoying an active retirement

“Now that you are over 40, it is important to care for your body by avoiding these exercise habits.

“As you age, maintaining your strength, balance, and endurance safely will keep you doing the things you love.”

Here’s what Najjar, who is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach, advised were the 5 workouts you should consider about missing if you’re over 40.

The first workout you should avoid over 40

The first workout that may damage your body beyond 40, according to Najjar, is plyometrics.

What are plyometrics?

Evidently I don’t do them often since I had to look ’em up.

Basically, they’re any workout that includes explosive movement targeted at growing muscle. We’re talking stuff like box jumps, squat jumps, medicine ball tossing, etc.

While they may be useful in producing a strong physique, they’re also taxing on your joints.

If you’ve ever had the sensation of throwing your back out by bending down to pick up a pencil (let alone a hefty medicine ball), you’ll know why they may be a no-no.

The second workout you should avoid over 40

The second activity you should consider cutting down on as you age is high-intensity interval training, or HIIT exercises.

Specifically, Najjar suggests avoiding sprints given the extended recovery periods required if anything goes wrong.

Jogging or elliptical work is advised instead.

The third exercise you should avoid is over 40.

As I explained, my spinal discs are prone to slippage.

While the body can, surprisingly, shift them back into place before long and have you ready for action again within a few weeks, the agony when they go out is awful.

It also casts a veil of worry over you whenever you bend over or twist your back even a little bit.

It’s for that reason that I (and Najjar) advocate avoiding sit-ups and crunches.

I’ve found yoga and simple planks to be decent alternatives.

The fourth workout error that may ruin your body over 40

One of the major faults Najjar points out isn’t something that you are doing; it’s something you aren’t doing.

Specifically, focusing on your equilibrium.

The trainer explains:

“If you have good balance and want to maintain it into your prime time, perform standing three-way kicks with weight (bands).

"If you find that your balance isn't as it used to be, you can ask your physician to schedule a few sessions of physical therapy so that you can learn the exercises that are most effective for you."

Over the age of forty, the sixth workout error that might end up destroying your body

My favourite self-improvement audiobook of all time is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

(That’s my affiliate link if you want to check it out … highly, highly recommended if you need to get inspired).

Few individuals have tortured their bodies as hard as Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner, and he ultimately paid the price when his began to cramp up on him.

In fact, there were moments he believed he would have to give up some of the severe training he has since become renowned for.

That is, he claimed, until he began stretching… sometimes for hours a day.

While I don’t go as far as Goggins (few do), I, at 43, have integrated stretching into my daily regimen.

On days when I don’t go to the gym, I do 60 minutes of yoga now.

On days when I do go to the gym, I make sure to do 20 minutes just to limber up a little and avoid muscle and joint issues later in the day.

Najjar agrees, advising Eat This, Not That that although it might be tempting to quickly hit the showers after a terrific exercise, you should battle that desire and hit the mat for some stretching.

“Tight muscles pull on the joints they support, causing general aches and pains. Prolonged strain on the joint may develop into osteoarthritis.”

So listen to Najjar, Goggins, and little ‘ol me.

A little stretching may save you a lot of discomfort!

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