compared to static stretching<\/a>.<\/p>\nStart with 5-10 minutes of light cardio to get your blood flowing and your heart rate slightly elevated.<\/p>\n
This will prime your muscles for the main strength training workout.<\/p>\n
Then move through the workout below, starting with your warm-up.<\/p>\n
Dynamic Stretches<\/h3>\n
Arm Circles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold your arms out to the side at shoulder height.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Circle your arms forward, starting with small circles, working up to larger circles.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Perform 20 circles. Reverse direction and perform 20 more.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Front Arm Swings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Start with your arms extended out to your sides.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Swing both arms in front of your chest, crossing your left arm over your right, then reverse back to the starting position.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Then swing both arms back in front of your chest, this time crossing your right arm over your left, then bring back again.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Continue alternating like this for about 20-30 seconds.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Leg Swings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Stand while holding onto a chair or wall for support.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Shift your weight to your left foot, and swing the right leg forward and backward, allowing the right knee to naturally flex and extend throughout the movement.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Continue for 10-15 swings on the right then switch sides and repeat.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Knees to Chest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Bring your right knee toward your chest before lowering your foot to the ground.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Bring your left knee in and hug it towards your chest before lowering back down.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Continue alternating sides for 10 reps on each side.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Best Weight Training Exercises For Women Over 50<\/h3>\n
As noted above, the best weight training workouts for women over 50 will include exercises that promote functional movements.<\/p>\n
Remember the key points above when performing these exercises, and always modify the movements if needed to avoid injury.<\/p>\n
Dumbbell Squats<\/strong><\/p>\nSquats are the ultimate lower-body exercise. This movement targets the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves to build strong legs.<\/p>\n
In addition, this is a very functional exercise as you need to perform the squatting motion in a number of daily activities.<\/p>\n
\n- While holding a dumbbell in each hand, lower into a squat, making sure your knees don\u2019t track past your toes.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Go down as far as comfortable or until your knees are at 90 degrees and your thighs are parallel to the floor.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Perform three sets of 10-12 reps.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dumbbell Chest Press<\/strong><\/p>\nChest presses are another great exercise that emphasizes functional movements while strengthening the chest, triceps, and shoulder muscles.<\/p>\n
\n- Lie back on a bench holding a dumbbell in each hand just to the sides of your shoulders.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Press the weights above your chest by extending your elbows until your arms are straight, then bring the weights back down slowly.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Aim for three sets of 10-12 reps.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dumbbell Lawnmower Pulls<\/strong><\/p>\nJust like pushing exercises are important for everyday activities, pulling movements are also essential.<\/p>\n
\n- Place your left knee up on a weight bench for support with your right leg on the floor beside the bench.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep your left hand on the bench in front of your left knee and hold a dumbbell in your right hand.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Bend over so your back is parallel with the ground.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Lift the dumbbell up to your side and then lower it slowly back down.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Repeat for 10-12 reps with the right arm, then switch sides and repeat 10-12 reps with the left arm.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Aim for three sets.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts<\/strong><\/p>\nRomanian deadlifts are excellent for increasing strength in the core, legs, and back. This movement also focuses on the hinging motion.<\/p>\n
Performing exercises using this type of movement can help you avoid injury in future workouts and in daily activities.<\/p>\n
\n- Stand with your feet hip-width apart while holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hinge forward at the hips and lower the dumbbells in front of your shins, keeping them close to your body.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Once the dumbbells go past your knees, drive through your heels to extend your hips and knees and return to a standing position.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Aim for three sets of 10-12 reps.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Dumbbell Woodchops<\/strong><\/p>\nThis compound weight training exercise targets your upper body, lower body, and core. It should be done slowly to focus on the correct twisting form from top to bottom.<\/p>\n
You would be surprised how often you find yourself twisting and lifting in everyday life, and this exercise will aid you in decreasing your risk of injury.<\/p>\n
\n- Hold a dumbbell by both ends in front of your body.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Twist to the left to hold the dumbbell on the outside of your left leg.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Then lift the weight diagonally across your body as you twist to the right while bringing the dumbbell above your head.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Pivot on your left foot as needed.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Slowly bring the weight back down to the starting position to complete 1 rep.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Do three sets of 15 reps on each side.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Always remember to include a cool down after every workout.<\/p>\n
This will stretch out the muscles and reduce your risk for post-workout muscle soreness and soft tissue injuries.<\/p>\n
You should include stretches that target the upper body, lower body, and core. You can choose your own stretches, or use these stretches below after your workout.<\/p>\n
Static Stretches<\/h3>\n
Chest Opener<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Push your arms up behind you while pulling your shoulder blades together and your back straight until you feel the stretch in your chest.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hold for about 20-30 seconds before releasing.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Triceps Stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lift your arms overhead with both arms slightly behind your head and bent at the elbow.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Use your right hand to pull your left elbow until you feel a stretch in your triceps.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Core\/Abdominal Stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lie down on your stomach with your face towards the ground and your palms facing the floor.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- While keeping your hips on the floor, push your upper body up from the ground.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hold for 30 seconds before releasing.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Low Back Stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lie on your back with your knees bent and pulled up toward your chest.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hold for 30 seconds before releasing.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Glute Stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Sit on the ground with both knees bent and both feet on the floor.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Lift your right leg and cross it over your left thigh.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Pull both legs inwards toward your stomach for a deep stretch of your glutes.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch sides and repeat.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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