When people think about staying fit and healthy as they get older, strength training often gets most of the attention.
And for good reason. Maintaining muscle and strength is incredibly important as we age.
But there’s another part of fitness that shouldn’t be forgotten:
Cardio.
At Movement District in Edgecliff, we encourage our members to think about fitness as more than simply lifting weights. If you’re searching for a personal trainer near me because you want to stay fit, strong and healthy as you get older, improving your cardiovascular fitness should be part of the plan too.
Your Heart Needs Training Too
Your heart is a muscle, and like the rest of your body, it benefits from regular exercise.
Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, rowing and jogging challenge your cardiovascular system and improve your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to your working muscles.
This becomes increasingly important as we get older.
Regular physical activity can help support cardiovascular health and improve things such as blood pressure, blood sugar control and overall fitness.
You don’t need to become an endurance athlete either.
A few regular cardio sessions combined with strength training can make a big difference.
Cardio Makes Everyday Life Easier
One of the best reasons to improve your cardiovascular fitness has nothing to do with how you look.
It’s about what you can do.
Think about everyday activities such as:
- Walking up a hill without needing to stop
- Climbing stairs comfortably
- Walking around the shops
- Playing with your children or grandchildren
- Travelling and exploring a new city
- Going for a long walk with friends
- Carrying shopping home
As your cardiovascular fitness improves, everyday activities generally become easier.
That’s one of the main reasons we encourage people over 40, 50 and 60 to continue working on their fitness.
The goal isn’t just to be fit inside the gym.
It’s to build a body that allows you to keep doing the things you enjoy outside the gym.
Strength Training and Cardio Work Together
People sometimes ask whether they should concentrate on strength training or cardio as they get older.
Ideally, you want both.
Strength training helps maintain muscle, strength, bone health and physical function.
Cardio improves your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Think of it this way:
Strength training helps build the body. Cardio helps build the engine.
Having strong legs is important for climbing stairs, but you also want enough cardiovascular fitness to reach the top without feeling completely exhausted.
That’s why a good exercise program should include both.
Cardio Doesn’t Mean You Have to Run
A common misconception we hear from people starting at our Edgecliff gym is that cardio means running.
It doesn’t.
There are plenty of ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Walking is probably the simplest.
You can also cycle, swim, row, hike, use an elliptical machine or include higher-intensity exercises in your gym sessions.
For someone who hasn’t exercised regularly for a while, simply starting with a brisk 20–30 minute walk can be a great option.
The best type of cardio is usually the one you’ll actually continue doing.
How Much Cardio Should You Do?
Australian physical activity guidelines recommend adults aim for approximately 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination.
You don’t have to do all of that in the gym.
Walking counts.
Cycling counts.
Swimming counts.
Playing sport counts.
A 30-minute brisk walk five days per week already gives you 150 minutes of moderate activity.
If you’re currently doing very little exercise, you don’t need to jump straight to that amount either.
Start small and gradually build up.
Why Cardio Becomes Even More Important Later in Life
As we get older, our goal with exercise starts to change.
For many people in their 20s, training might be mostly about appearance.
Later in life, fitness becomes increasingly about health, independence and quality of life.
Can you walk comfortably?
Can you climb stairs?
Can you carry your shopping?
Can you travel?
Can you play with your grandchildren?
Can you continue doing those things in your 60s, 70s and beyond?
Building and maintaining cardiovascular fitness can help you remain physically capable for longer.
Looking for a Personal Trainer Near Me?
If you’ve been searching for a personal trainer near me or a personal trainer in Edgecliff, Movement District helps people build strength, improve fitness and stay active as they get older.
We’re a small gym in Edgecliff, Sydney, offering personal training and small group training in a friendly environment.
We work with people of different fitness levels, including people returning to exercise after a long break and those who simply want to become stronger, fitter and healthier.
You don’t need to be incredibly fit before you start.
That’s what training is for.
The Bottom Line
As you get older, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to choose between strength training and cardio.
Do both.
Lift weights to maintain your muscle and strength.
Do cardio to maintain your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Walk regularly and keep moving throughout the day.
Because ultimately, exercise isn’t just about adding years to your life.
It’s about staying fit and capable enough to enjoy those years.
Personal Training in Edgecliff, Sydney
If you’re looking for a personal trainer near you in Edgecliff, Movement District offers personal training and small group training for people who want to become stronger, fitter and healthier.
Movement District — Personal Training & Small Group Training in Edgecliff, Sydney.
