Wellness Over 40

As we age, our bodies change, and so should our habits. To keep up with our body's physical and mental transformations as we reach middle age, we must adjust our lifestyles to remain healthy. This also means making healthy habit changes that work with our bodies so that we still live full and enriched lives.

On the Ingrained & Balanced podcast about practicing a well-balanced lifestyle, hosts Lonnie and Marty discuss how our mindset can influence physical fitness. On season 1, episode 11, they are joined by Ray Austin, a former professional football player and track athlete, whose experiences have shaped his approach toward exercise and physical wellness. Together, they discuss how Ray's relationship with exercise has transformed throughout his life and how he maintains mental and physical wellness over 40.

From the NFL to Forty

Ray has lived many lives since his time in the NFL. From established actor and model to Co-founding the world's first fan-run pro sports and entertainment company, Ray explains how he transforms his habits to practice wellness throughout each stage of his life journey.

"I started to have to change and redirect my workouts."

After stepping away from football and getting older, he has adjusted his diet and activity to complement his lifestyle. On the podcast, he discusses his athletic history and the wellness practices he enjoys today like meditation, yoga, staying hydrated, and incorporating stretching into a fitness routine.

Aging can bring physical and mental changes, including decreased energy levels, reduced flexibility, increased stress levels, and more susceptibility to chronic illnesses. However, Ray recommends wellness habits that he has incorporated into his life to maintain his overall health.

Enriching Exercise

Life will always get in the way of our wellness if we let it, especially as we age. Ray shares that he made exercise more accessible by establishing a personal gym at home.

So how does a former NFL athlete maintain his physical fitness after retirement? For Ray, aging meant realizing the physical impact that his former career had on his body. Therefore, he enjoys engaging in low-impact exercise activities that enable him to stay active without putting too much strain on his body.

Exercise is essential as we age for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Ray enjoys low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and yoga. These are all great options for reducing joint pain and maintaining physical health for anyone at any stage.

Living A Mindset Lifestyle

Ray recommends viewing wellness and exercise as a lifestyle, citing his love and dedication toward yoga and meditation. 

"Yoga is a lifestyle."

In addition to being low-impact, yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. In addition, yoga can be beneficial for maintaining mobility as we age, which can reduce the risk of injury. 

Ray explains that in addition to the physical benefits, he appreciates practicing yoga and meditation for their mental health benefits. He views yoga and meditation as a lifestyle and an outlet to relieve tension, stress, and anxiety for better overall wellness.

As we age, stress can significantly impact our health, and incorporating regular meditation and yoga practice into your daily routine can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Achieving Your Endgame

Another way that we can positively change our overall wellness as we age is to focus on the goals that excite and empower us. Pursuing meaningful goals can give us a sense of purpose and motivation, which can help combat feelings of boredom, stagnation, or depression that can come with aging. This can also help keep our minds and bodies active, engaged, and stimulated, which can be important for maintaining cognitive function, physical health, and overall well being. 

For Ray, this means pursuing his latest business endeavor, Fan-Controlled Sports & Entertainment. In founding this fan-run mobile sports platform, he combined his interest in competitive physical recreation with technology to innovate and change people's perspectives on sports.

Chasing goals can be incredibly important for maintaining both mental and physical health. Keeping our minds sharp and our bodies motivated toward achieving personal objectives is essential to aging well and living a fulfilling life.

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Adjusting your habits to work with your body as you age above 40 is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing. By making changes to your daily routine and incorporating healthy practices, you can ensure that you remain healthy and vibrant as you age.