Here's our guide to getting fit again, no matter what your age. Short workouts can still do a world of good for your mind and body. In one recent study, a group of sedentary women were put on a program of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise plus 20 minutes of weight training, three times a week. As you get stronger, try to add five minutes a week to your sessions. Lift and learn.
Many women shun strength training in favor of more heart-pounding activities.
As a result, they miss out on a fabulous fat-busting strategy. This more than makes up for any metabolic slowdown you might experience in your 40s. And there's no need to do lots of sets when you lift. Starting around age 40, your body is less capable of detecting thirst. So if you rely only on a dry mouth to tell you when to drink, it's likely that you're well on your way to dehydration.