the experts Share 12 Exercises for Women Over 50 That Are...

What’s Happening

Real talk: Get stronger without straining your knees, hips, or shoulders.

So many of the benefits of strength-training as you age have to do with the ways this form of exercise supports your joints. Even if you have a steady workout regimen, these places where two or more bones connect (which allow you to bend, extend, and move your body) change with age, making joint-friendly exercises so important to include in your routine. (shocking, we know)

Meet the the experts: Gbolahan Okubadejo, M.

The Details

, a spine surgeon and head of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care in New Jersey; Tina Tang, C. , a personal trainer in Jersey City, NJ.

“As we get older, joints naturally lose some cushioning and lubrication. Cartilage thins, tendons stiffen, and muscles weaken if they are not trained,” explains Gbolahan Okubadejo, M.

Why This Matters

“When muscles weaken, joints end up doing more of the work, which is why aches, stiffness, and injuries become more common with age. This does not mean you should stop strength training. It means you should train smarter.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

• ” Though it may be counterintuitive to do something that may cause some initial discomfort, moving is key.
• “One myth about joint care is that you should avoid moving them.
• Joints need movement,” says Dr.
• “Healthy movement bathes the joint in fluid, which carries nutrients to the cartilage and lubricates tissues that allow movement.

The Bottom Line

It means using them wisely and progressively,” says Tina Tang, C. “The key is finding appropriate entry points—ways to move that respect current ability while still gently training strength and mobility.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.