4 Tips for Staying Fit in Your 30s

Entering your 30s brings different changes, many of which you aren’t prepared for. On top of getting a promotion and moving into a different neighborhood, you also go through physical changes. This is a time when your body is about to reach its peak and eventually decline after age 40. The decisions you make will impact your wellness as you enter that chapter in your life.

Committing to a personal fitness program in your 30s will help you stay on track towards your goals and enable you to breeze through your 40s with more energy to spare. All it takes is knowing what to include, so here are a few tips to get you started on the road to better health.

staying fit

Come up with effective stress coping strategies

In this period of your life, you may experience stability and, at the same time, possess a desire to accomplish even more. You put in more hours at work while focusing on personal projects. Then again, you also have to deal with challenges at home, especially if you’re caring for an elderly parent or have kids to raise. All of these can add to daily stress, often resulting in self-destructive coping mechanisms such as relying on nicotine and alcohol to de-stress. 

These can only worsen underlying and potential health problems later on, so it’s important that you take stress management seriously by opting for healthier coping strategies. Getting enough sleep each night and avoiding more work than you can handle will help lighten the load and allow you to set aside more time and space for making healthier choices.

Mind your sugar intake

There’s nothing wrong with an afternoon pick-me-up to get you through a sleepy afternoon, but relying too much on processed sugar won’t bode well for your body. Aging accelerates when you consume too much sugar. Not only will your risk of diabetes and heart disease increase, but higher sugar intake can result in long-term fatigue, insomnia, and a decline in physical resilience. Over time, your body may not recover from an illness as fast as it used to. 

For this reason, you need to monitor your sugar intake closely to prevent the onset of diabetes, faster weight gain, and other conditions. Drink black coffee with just a small amount of natural sweetener if you need to stay awake in the afternoon without experiencing a sugar crash. If you’re used to consuming energy drinks, choose a prebiotic soda made from pure honey and all-natural ingredients with a minimal amount of caffeine. 

staying fit

Stay active and keep moving

The greatest enemy in your 30s is a sedentary lifestyle, especially if you’re a Millennial who is working remotely. Chronic back pain can get worse if you sit at your desk for hours on end. Even if you work at an office, depriving yourself of the space to walk around and stretch will make it more likely for you to develop musculoskeletal disorders. You will feel its toll when you enter your 40s and notice a decrease in your flexibility and poor posture. 

Your fitness program should also include physically stimulating activities, such as early morning runs around the neighborhood or swimming. If you don’t have the luxury of time to condition your muscles and joints, try commuting to work instead of driving. Walking for at least 20 minutes each day can help shed extra calories, lower your cortisol levels, and prevent the onset of conditions like arthritis.

Pick your meals carefully

The cornerstone of your fitness plan during your 30s should be your dieting habit. You can commit to the rest of the tips above, but without taking control of your eating, you could hardly benefit from the gains. Your meal plans should include food rich in antioxidants such as spinach, kale, and nuts. 

Protein is also crucial, especially since you go through considerable muscle loss later in life. Opt for healthy sources like tuna and salmon, which are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A serving of chicken breast is also a great way to supply your body with lean meat. Just be sure to avoid binge eating and become more intentional when you’re shopping to fill up the fridge.

Endnote

You might still consider yourself young, but eventually, your 30s will bring you closer to an age when your body starts to decline. Apply these tips now so you can stay active for the rest of the years that lie ahead.

Jamie
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