Fifty, Fit & Fabulous

When we reach a certain age, there seems to be a societal expectation that we need to start slowing down and expecting less of ourselves physically. 

According to fitness and nutrition expert Morne Augustyn, this needn’t be the case! 

Information is Power

The first thing Morne advises his clients over 50 to do is to consult their doctors to have everything from their testosterone levels to nutrient deficiencies checked. This can help to ensure that they are taking the right steps for their unique health journeys and needs, complementing their diet and exercise routines with supplementation and further medical support where necessary. 

Shift Your Focus

Addressing current or potential health concerns by improving your immune system and creating physical and mental resilience is more important than focusing on aesthetics and appearance later in life, asserts Morne. 

Fuel Your Wellbeing 

To help his clients accomplish this, he explores their unique goals and routines before creating personalised meal plans that complement their lifestyles. 

He believes that most people are nutrient deficient - usually in potassium and magnesium - and that we should include clean and whole organic foods and supplements into our daily diets. 

It is by following his own meal plan and these principles that Morne has been able to perfect his bone density and water balance, and enjoy a metabolic age of 34 at his chronological age of 50.

Lift Those Weights

Morne recommends that men and women in their 50s focus on weight training, with light weights. This type of activity will help to increase vitality, keep hormone levels balanced, and optimise metabolism. 

Exercisers in this age group should ideally also include some low-impact cardio, like going for a brisk walk; doing resistance band exercises; and practising a bit of yoga for core stability. 

Example of an ideal workout routine:

• Weight training for 20 - 30 minutes 4 - 5 times a week
• 10 minutes of brisk walking 3 - 4 times a week
• Nature walks every weekend 
• Yoga or Tai chi 

Stretch it Out

In order to avoid injury, Morne stresses the importance of stretching. He suggests including some dynamic stretching before training, as this helps to lubricate the joints and prepares the muscles for exercise. He also suggests that his clients make time for some static stretching before bed.

Want to get in touch with Morne to create your own personalised exercise and nutrition plan for your 50s and beyond? Email [email protected] to get in touch.