Aging is something we all do if we’re lucky. As we add years in the rearview mirror, we can collect ailments over time, whether due to injuries or chronic conditions. Conventional wisdom says we get wiser as we age, but can we become or stay active? In this episode, we explore how we can adapt our exercise routines as we get older, including the key exercise recommendations to help you age well (but not necessarily get an Instagram butt).

Expert: Dr. Gillian Wooldridge, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician 

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered: 

• How our bodies change as we age, starting as young as 30 
• How exercise affects some of the physiological effects of aging 
• How to approach a meaningful strength regimen — and yes, bodyweight exercise counts! 
• Why some exercise is better than none at all 
• The FIT method (frequency, intensity, and time): jumpstart or adapt a fitness routine with this technique
• How you can prevent perimenopause symptoms, arthritis, osteoporosis or mobility issues from sidelining activity
• The types of rest needed for fitness recovery
• What to do if you notice your energy levels aren’t what they used to be 
• Is there any age where it becomes “now or never” in terms of our fitness? 
• Why encouraging exercise and fitness in younger family members is important

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.