Training After 50: Our Tips for Men

Taking care of yourself and your health is essential for having energy, whether for work or enjoying your favourite hobbies. Are you a man over 50 who wants to stay or get back in shape? Nowadays, many solutions are within your reach, catering to all tastes and budgets. In this article, discover our tips for training—and recovering—after turning fifty!

Why is it better to train differently after 50? 

As you age, you must pay more attention to certain aspects of training to avoid physical problems and injuries. After 50, men must be particularly mindful of their joints and backs, perform warm-ups to enhance mobility and ensure proper recovery after exertion.

Do you want to start a new type of training you've heard great things about? To avoid various issues, you should first discuss it with your doctor for approval and recommendations, primarily if you already have known health problems (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure). You can never be too careful!

Moreover, you must equip yourself with good shoes and comfortable, breathable clothing (e.g., t-shirts, shorts).

Popular Training Types

Several sports and training methods are currently popular among men. These include CrossFit, mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing, weightlifting, and functional training, to name a few. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these five trendy approaches.

CrossFit

Originating from the United States, this high-intensity discipline combines various sports activities (weightlifting, gymnastics, etc.).

Advantages: In addition to helping you develop various skills (flexibility, speed, coordination, etc.) and burn many calories, CrossFit prepares your body for everyday situations that require physical effort.

Disadvantages: Many men over 50 who start CrossFit tend to overexert themselves or neglect the recovery stage. The result? Fatigue, pain, and injuries. Make sure a coach supervises you to avoid these issues!

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Previously known as "extreme fighting," mixed martial arts (MMA) fights aim to dominate the opponent with ground and standing moves.

Advantages: This discipline is for men who are fearless and interested in martial arts in general (judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, etc.). MMA develops reflexes, strategy, and self-confidence.

Disadvantages: Receiving blows and enduring submission holds during a fight involves a high risk of injuries (sprains, fractures, concussions, etc.). Falls or poorly executed movements are also dangerous. Since recovery is more difficult after 50, be especially careful!

Boxing

This well-known discipline is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. In this article, we refer to training without combat.

Advantages: This dynamic and intense training involves jumping rope and hitting a punching bag. Highly cardio-intensive, boxing is ideal for weight loss and stress relief after a tough day!

Disadvantages: Repeated hitting can cause injuries, and the impacts from jumping can wear down joints. Men over 50 with fragile knees or osteoarthritis should be very cautious.

Weightlifting

A classic training method, weightlifting involves developing muscles through various exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands.

Advantages: Weightlifting improves overall strength and sculpts the body. There are countless and varied methods to strengthen muscles, preventing monotony!

Disadvantages: Weightlifting exercises put pressure on the joints. If you are over 50, follow a progressive program designed according to your abilities.

Functional Training

Previously used to rehabilitate athletes after an injury, functional training involves performing exercises and movements that mimic everyday actions.

Advantages: This varied, low-impact training develops strength, coordination, and mobility while burning calories and helping you avoid injuries.

Disadvantages: We found none! The only recommendation for men over 50 is to train with a qualified person who will show you how to perform the movements correctly and correct them if necessary.

Personalized or Group Training?

Having a personal trainer who focuses 100% on you offers undeniable benefits. They design a customized training plan, help you set goals, track your progress, and encourage you. The main drawback is the cost of the sessions.

That said, group training offers many benefits: increased motivation, a more lively atmosphere, affordable cost, etc. However, in a group, you receive less feedback than with a personal coach. You might perform some movements incorrectly without anyone pointing it out.

How to Recover After Training

You must be disciplined to progress and achieve your goals, which means not training every day. Between workouts, men over 50 need to focus on rest for recovery.

The right actions? Stretching, getting enough sleep (sleep is essential for recovery), and eating a balanced diet (consult a nutritionist-dietitian for a personalized, protein-rich menu!). For a "five-star" recovery, you could also opt for massage therapy sessions or even ice baths (with your doctor's approval).

At Ernest, we have several clothing collections perfect for elegant men over 50. Come and meet us!