No matter what your age, getting fit can seem like a herculean task. And when youre nearing the hillor already over itthe challenges seem to stack up. Can you really lift the same amount of weight as a college-aged kid? If you don't yet feel fit enough to run, is walking good enough? Is there any point to just now starting a fitness regimen?The answers: yes, yes, and definitely. Exercise for women over 50 is a vital part of maintaining and possibly improving health. Hard though it may be, pretty much everyone is capable of working out. Take Mary Murphy, a 52-year-old dental assistant from Maryland who didnt develop an regular exercise routine until later in life. Ive always enjoyed exercising but wasnt as religious about doing it, she said. It was after I had [my third child] that I got pretty serious. I put him in the bouncy seat, and I started with doing the treadmill. First I was able to do 1 mile and I was so excited, then I was able to run 2, and then I did a 5K. Over the course of a decade, Murphy gradually ramped up her fitness routine to where now shes doing an intense workout four days week. And its paid off for her, just like it can benefit every other woman. Below, learn why fitness should be a vital component of middle-aged life and why forming a routine isnt the impossible task you might think it is.Before You Get Started1. What to watch out forMurphys no fitness authorityshe just read a lot and sought out experts to direct her to the best exercises for her body.Because of my past injuries, I was told that running is not the best thing for me, she said. Its very jarring on your body, all that pounding. That being said, I was also told that if youre literally going to run or do nothing, then you should run. But its probably better for you to walk or ride a bike or swim.Doctors, physical therapists, and personal trainers can advise you on working out without exacerbating existing medical conditions. For example, if you have joint problems, symptoms of osteoporosis, or any risk factors for heart disease, a physician should guide you toward exercises of lower impact or intensity.2. What to look forward toA consistent fitness program can lower your risk of suffering heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and osteoporosis. Some women also report that stress relief from exercise helps them manage menopause symptoms such as sleep problems and mood changes.It can help you strengthen bones and maintain a healthy weight, too. Working out is especially good for controlling the abdominal fat that can accumulate around menopause. Murphy uses her fitness regimen in part to maintain her slim figureI just really liked to eat, she notedand most recently added more weight training to help strengthen her bones.Once You Get MovingAny physical activity is good for you. But many health organizations recommend a three-pronged approach to exercise for women over 50: 1. AerobicsCardio exercise is Murphys bread and butter. Would you be more excited to run a 5K or lift some weights? I feel like hitting a goal is very rewarding and makes you feel good about yourself and makes you keep going, she said. Its probably harder to be like, Oh, Im going to lift 10 pounds or 15. How do you get the sense that youve reached [the goal] for satisfaction or reward?She usually attends two intense 45-minute spinning classes a week. Thats more than what the Department of Health and Human Services expects for healthy adults: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. But you can more easily ramp up your aerobic exercise to get to the baseline and beyond by finding an activity you enjoy.Then, measure your level of activity with the talk test: moderate intensity should allow you to talk but not sing, whereas vigorous intensity should allow you to speak a few words but not carry on a conversation.2. Strength TrainingStrong muscles equal stronger bones and more calories burned. Murphy added BodyPump classes to her repertoire, hoping to see noticeable results faster.Its 10 songs, she said. Each song focuses on a large muscle group. Its quads, chest, biceps, triceps; theres one just for your legs and abdominals and back.That activity lines up with HHS recommendations, which champions muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. For many women, a workout choreographed to music might be a good way to ease into the world of strength training. Or you can start at home, using handheld weights and body-weight exercises such as lunges, squats, and wall sits. Others might just want to venture into a gym and ask for assistance with equipment, form, repetition, and sets.3. StretchingTraditional stretching can help you cool down after exercise. But yoga and Pilates workouts offer additional benefits. They can improve flexibility and range of motion, build core strength (which can help relieve lower-back pain), and boost stability and balance (which can prevent falls in the future).Above all, find what you like and stick to it. For Murphy, its attending weekly classeswith some workout buddiesthat give her a sense of accomplishment. For you, maybe its walking the dog for a mile every day and practicing yoga. Do some research, take some classes, and find out what works best for you.Check out some related reads:Your Skin Is Mature, So Your Skin-Care Regimen Should Be, TooAging and hormone changes can mean wrinkles and, yes, adult acne. Lessen the effects of time with these skin-care tips for women over 50.Five Things I Learned from Pilates For instance: did you know that there are bones in your butt?

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