In their younger years, men sometimes care more about work—and play—than wellness. Hitting the gym might not seem like a top priority when there's happy hour or work events to attend.
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In their younger years, men sometimes care more about work—and play—than wellness. Hitting the gym might not seem like a top priority when there's happy hour or work events to attend.
However, once they start seeing the benefits of living healthier, like more energy, better sleep and feeling happier, they're more likely to stick with it day in and day out. That's the trick; it’s not just about making changes for a week or a month, but making these changes part of their everyday lives.
Encouraging men to prioritize daily fitness like cardio, strength and flexibility can open new ways to lead a healthier life at every age. Here’s how men can easily shift their lifestyles at every age to become stronger and live longer.
Men’s Fitness in Their 30s
Men in their 30s should mix things up with high-intensity interval training alongside the usual cardio. Hitting weights can keep that muscle mass in check while combatting declining testosterone levels.
Men should aim for 8 to 10 different exercises throughout the week and give muscles a breather on their off days. They should also commit to both dynamic and static stretching at this phase of life. Yoga is a must-try, as it's great for getting muscles nice and stretched out.
Men’s Fitness in Their 40s
Moving into their 40s, men should consider joining a gym or trying out a boxing class to combat that slowing metabolism. This can help them become more active in their day-to-day lives.
Men should also keep up with their weight training; it's crucial for slowing down muscle and bone loss that begins in this decade. Adding a simple foam roller to their stretching routine can help iron out knots and keep them nice and limber.
Related: Why Men Benefit From Wellness Retreats
Men’s Fitness in Their 50s
At this age, it's all about keeping the heart in tip-top shape with some challenging aerobic workouts. Encourage men to think about multi-joint movements to keep muscles strong and sturdy, and to make stretching part of their daily routine, especially if they’re dealing with arthritis.
Men’s Fitness in Their 60s and Beyond
As they age into their golden years, men should mix in activities like walking or swimming to keep their balance sharp and their brain in check. Don't forget about balance exercises like tandem stance and diagonal walks; they keep us stable and moving through day-to-day activities.
Looking past 60, men might try different stretching methods like Gyrokinesis, which is all about keeping that flexibility up and feeling good all around.
Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle doesn't happen overnight; it's a gradual process. Education plays a significant role in motivating men to make healthier choices, highlighting the benefits of positive lifestyle changes while addressing potential negative outcomes.
It’s our responsibility to help male guests understand that maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a consistent mindset and daily commitment, establishing healthy habits as a way of life—not just the occasional thought.
Deirdre Strunk is the vice president of Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness and Beauty, heading up these divisions across the Canyon Ranch brand. Strunk, a licensed massage therapist, esthetician, yoga instructor and group fitness instructor, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. In 2015, she was awarded Spa Director of the Year from the Las Vegas Spa Association, and she currently serves as a board member of the Las Vegas Spa Association, and as vice chair on the board for the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.
