Fitness Plan

　　Human aging is inevitable—should we simply let it run its course?

　　At 20, you could run 10 kilometers every day and do 30 push-ups in one go, but by the time you reach 40, you’ll notice your joints cracking and your flexibility diminishing. Aging is inevitable—so should we just let it take its course? No, we shouldn’t.

　　In fact, as long as you start exercising consistently from now on, you can maintain youthful vitality. To help you do just that, the Guangzhou Daily has enlisted experts to design a workout regimen tailored for men of all ages—aimed at boosting stamina, improving lung function, and preserving limb flexibility. Everyone can follow this program: three times a week, 45 to 60 minutes each session. With regular practice, you’ll no longer have to worry about poor physical condition or an overweight physique.

　　I. Around the age of 20. Sports medicine refers to this age group as the “record-breaking stage.”

　　During this time period, the body’s functions are at their peak, with heart rate, lung capacity, and the agility, stability, and elasticity of the bones all reaching optimal levels. From a sports medicine perspective, insufficient physical activity during this phase is more detrimental to health than excessive exercise. Individuals in this age group can engage in activities of any intensity.

　　The physical strength gained during this period through muscle‑strengthening exercises does not disappear once the workout is over. Endurance training can increase cardiac output. In short, people in their twenties can build a reserve of health for the years ahead. It’s crucial to stay consistent with exercise during this stage to maintain a healthy weight; otherwise, trying to lose weight after age 30 will be much more difficult.

　　Exercise can be performed every other day—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—for about 30 minutes each session. To build strength, try lifting weights at 60% of your one-rep max, continuing until your muscles feel fatigued (typically 10–12 repetitions per set). If you don’t feel tired after several sets, increase the weight by 10%. Be sure to work all major muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, core, and legs.

　　A 20-minute cardiovascular workout, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, performed at an intensity that keeps your heart rate between 150 and 170 beats per minute.

　　II. Around the age of 30. At this stage, physical functions have already surpassed their peak.

　　At this stage, if you neglect physical exercise, your oxygen uptake—crucial for endurance—will gradually decline. But there’s no need to worry, as you’re still young. Your joints may often make cracking sounds, which can be an early sign of joint problems. To maintain good joint flexibility, be sure to incorporate plenty of stretching exercises. You should also pay attention to cardiovascular conditioning.

　　Exercise still follows a Monday–Wednesday–Friday alternating schedule, with each session lasting 5 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity—such as jogging or swimming—at an intensity that’s not as high as it was in your twenties. For a 20‑minute strength‑building workout, use lighter weights than you did at age 20, but perform more repetitions. Finish with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching, focusing on the back and leg muscles. Office workers should pay particular attention to stretching: lie on your back, bring both knees up toward your chest as far as possible, and hold for 30 seconds; then, lying on your back, lift each leg straight up as high as you can and hold for 30 seconds.

　　People in this age group can still engage in a variety of physical activities. If they have been inactive for a period, they should follow a gradual, step-by-step approach when resuming exercise. Doctors recommend that individuals over the age of 35 undergo an electrocardiogram before starting an exercise regimen.

　　III. What should you do after age 40? Compared with your twenties, individuals over 40 experience a 25% decline in muscle responsiveness to training, a gradual loss of physical strength, year‑by‑year muscle atrophy, and the onset of weight gain.

　　Weight gain is linked to a decline in overall muscle mass; with less muscle, the body burns fewer calories, yet food intake often remains unchanged compared to younger years, leading to a protruding belly. Therefore, individuals over 40 should choose exercises that not only help maintain a healthy physique but also reduce the risk of common age‑related conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Aim for two sessions per week, on Mondays and Fridays, incorporating 25–30 minutes of moderate‑intensity cardio—activities like jogging, swimming, or cycling.

　　For individuals over 50, the heart rate should not exceed 130–140 beats per minute. Engage in 10–15 minutes of machine-based exercise, using lighter weights than you would at age 30; excessively heavy loads can harm your health, but you can increase the number of repetitions. To minimize risk, it’s best to avoid dumbbells and opt for gym equipment instead. Follow with 5–10 minutes of stretching, paying particular attention to mobilizing all joints and targeting muscles that tend to atrophy. On Wednesdays, add a 45-minute session to boost endurance—no machines required—incorporating exercises like push-ups and half-squats, performed in multiple sets of about 20 reps each, adjusting the total volume to suit your own capacity.

　　Recommended sports: tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, jogging, golf, dancing, and walking.

　　Beijing Funmaxland Sports is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle together with everyone; health is our greatest wealth. Funmaxland Sports official website: www.funmaxland.cn