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Fitness After 40: Your Strong Body at 40, 50, 60, and Beyond

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As we age, our bodies change--but that doesn't have to impact our fitness level. We may not be teenagers anymore, but if we exercise smarter, we can remain youthful, energetic, and strong.

Dr. Vonda Wright is the creator of a unique exercise program tailored to the needs of mature athletes. In Fitness After 40, you will learn how to:

• Understand your body, and approach exercise in a new way
• Maximize your fitness while minimizing injury
• Gain flexibility
• Benefit from aerobic exercise
• Build strength through resistance training
• Improve balance
• And much more

Now in its second edition, the book includes targeted "20 Minutes to Burn" workouts, a 6-week total-body plan, and new information on nutrition, injury prevention, joint preservation, the mind/body connection, and more. Whatever your age or activity level, Fitness After 40 will get you motivated, get you moving...and feeling better than ever.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

298 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

Vonda J. Wright

9 books30 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Trish at Between My Lines.
1,138 reviews334 followers
May 2, 2017
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines

I have been reading lots of non-fiction books lately, including Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D., and pondering what way to review these.  I decided sharing what I learnt from reading the book might be the best way to give you an idea whether or not this book is for you.  And apart from that, it works as a great reminder for me too!

5 Things I Learnt from Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D.

Psst ...I learnt more than 5 things, but these were the most inspirational and valuable to my life.


Getting older does not mean getting weaker


I love the message that no matter how fit or unfit you might have been in your younger years, it's never too late to reinvent yourself.   I've had periods in my life where I ran frequent 10Ks, and periods where I slumped like a couch potatoe.  But the older I get, the more I realise the exercise is the key for good mental and physical health for me personally.  And I take pride from knowing that I'm fitter and healthier in my forties, than I was as a teenage.


40 is a vital decade that makes or breaks the next 30 years of your life


That's a sobering thought.  When I picked up this book, I was thinking 40 isn't old.  I can train just like I did 10 years ago.  And that's true, I can.  But it's a vital time to eat well, and challenge myself physically, to ensure I build a strong body for the decades ahead.  Such a sobering and motivating thought.


Move, move, move!


We are designed to move; modern-day life is designed to make us sedentary.  But the more you move, the more you strengthen your brain, the more you increase your happiness, the more you improve your memory, the more you benefit your body and of course it helps the figure on the scales.  Obviously, there is nothing new about all this, but the book reinforces how important movement is.


F.A.C.E your future


After 40, you need to focus on Flexibility, Aerobic Exercise, Carry a Load and Equilibrium/balance.  There are eye-opening facts about why each of these are so important.  In particular I never thought much about balance, but balance declines after age 25.  And, something as simple as balancing on one leg,  while brushing your teeth, can help improve your balance.  Which will go someway towards preventing falls and injuries in the future.


Creating a mantra gives you a mental edge


It's all too easy to listen to those voices telling you it's ok to quit, to break your diet, to self-sabotage.  And sure occasionally treats make up a balanced lifestyle.  But constantly giving in won't help you reach your goals.  So the book suggests finding a mantra that rings true to you to help you push though.  Again this is so simple, but very effective.  I chose the mantra "keep on moving forward" and it helps me refocus when I feel like quitting.  And "stay strong" also resonates with me and pushes me through hard times.  Most of the time!

Overall I found Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D. interesting and informative.  I followed lots of the exercises, and applied lots of tips to my life.  The tone feels a little dry, and humour is on the scarce side.  But I followed my manta.  I kept moving forward though the book, and discovered it was a worthwhile investment of my time.

 
Who should read Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D.?

I'd recommend Fitness After 40 to you if you are 40 or over, with an interest in fitness, and nutrition, and aging well.  Separate chapters focus on each decade, but I just concentrated on what was relevant to me.  If you are older, then I'd say there are lots of topics to interest you too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amacom Books for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration.  As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

 
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,400 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2015

More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

In this second edition, revised for 2015, author Wright updates several sections (especially adding new exercises and plans as well as better nutritional information) but essentially keeps a large portion of the original version intact. At heart is her system, nicknamed "FACE": Flexibility, Aerobic exercise, Carry a load, Equilibrium/balance. There is a strong emphasis on running and her perspective seems to come more from people who were fit once than were never fit ever in their life. But on the whole, the book is comprehensive and easy to use.

Among the topics covered are: new science of aging, fitness beyond 40, moving to be stronger/smarter/happier, a six week jumps start to mobility plan (20 minutes at day), maximizing performance while minimizing injury, hip replacement issues, guide to smart nutrition, creating a positive mindset, and choosing the right fitness shoes. She's also included further resources and references.

Her exercise programs come in 'bricks' - a mix and match set of routines/stretches which should be put together in groups of five. She gives suggestions on how to put together the "FACE" components - mixing and matching aerobic, carrying a load, equilibrium, etc. She suggests either the included plans or making one's own depending on needs. Also provided are graphs and charts to help with compiling a fitness plan. Fortunately, they aren't annoying or difficult to either assemble or perform.

Due consideration is given to ages as well as issues with injuries - from broken hips to tendon issues and arthritis. As well, a nutrition section gives suggestions from supplements to the usual avoiding of processed foods.

Due to the formatting, the hardcover is much more useful than a Kindle version (unless you have a graphical version such as the Fire). And I would have really liked to have had more images of the exercises - beyond the small and relatively few black and whites provided.

Author Wright has covered the topic well and the book is suitable for those even well into the 70s to stay fit and alert. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Brian Glass.
25 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2015
There was actually some pretty good stuff in here regarding issues of aging and what is possible. However, in the end, much of the book was spent talking about pretty generic and baseline guidelines for fitness. It would be a good book for a person who is just getting into fitness and wanting to have a better life as they age. However, for a person wishing to really push the envelope and excel, many of the guidelines in this books are inadequate.

I found the guidelines on strength training to be completely inadequate. Some useful bodyweight exercises are presented, with an attempt to provide a complete strength training routine, but for the upper body for instance, only a few inadequate exercises a presented, such as curls and triceps extensions. No compound exercises such as classic pullups or pushups are presented. A lot of focus is given to developing rotator cuff muscles, but at the expense of the larger muscles.

The chapter on shoes is simply party line shoe company spiel, with a focus on things like motion control, support, etc. There is no discussion of alternative approaches such as minimalist or barefoot running. At minimum, exercises for strengthening the foot could be presented.

Dr. Wright does have an interesting and unique focus on balance. I think this is one of the important contributions of this book. She presents some exercises that are useful for developing balance. These are a great starting point. Moving into more advanced practices such as Tai Chi or bodyweight calisthenic exercises such as the pistol squat will obviate the need for her exercises, but they look like a great place to start.

I do believe that this book has a useful place in creating interest in fitness for those over 40 and will serve well as a starting place for a person who is, as Dr. Wright calls it, an "adult onset exerciser." A person just starting out will find this a useful starting point from which to launch a fitness program. But a person who is drive to excel will need to quickly move on to more focused books.
Profile Image for Becky Brinkley.
Author 9 books7 followers
May 4, 2020
Finally a book that explains not only what the over-forty crowd needs to do to stay fit, but more importantly WHY it is happening. By knowing why my body it different now, it helps to stay motivated to "stop the aging clock."

I'm not a gym-rat or a fitness fanatic. I have adopted Dr. Wright's simple exercises and concepts in this book into my lifestyle and it has made a positive impact. Dr. Wright points out the optimum amount of exercise that is necessary to stay fit, and I was delighted to find out that longer workouts are NOT the answer!

I love how the book is filled with photos that make the stretches and exercises clear and understandable. I also like the text call-out boxes and bulleted lists of ideas. The book is so easy to read and understand.

Dr. Wright is still going strong. I appreciated seeing her home videos of how to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Very informative and useful info.
Review by Becky Brinkley, author of BONFYRE
Profile Image for Meagan | The Chapter House.
2,043 reviews49 followers
May 22, 2022
This was an okay read. I picked it up as the big 4-0 is looming in my not-too-distant future, and thought it might be helpful; if I've learned anything in my 30s, it's that the body defo starts changing pretty significantly in this decade, haha. And it sounds like more will come!

I learned with the read that I don't do so hot with static (written/picture) instructions for exercise. I read the instructions a few times, compared them with the (one) picture presented, and still came away confused. I do better with at least a video to watch!

But, I did appreciate the emphasis on movement (and different types of movement, at that). I've learned the hard way that I can't do all cardio-based/high-impact stuffs the same way as I might have used to, b ut there are still ways to keep the heart rate up and get a good workout in. And, strength-based workouts are important too!
Profile Image for PRJ Greenwell.
749 reviews13 followers
November 27, 2023
Good for what it offers, but as another reviewer mentioned, it will only take you so far in your fitness and health adventures past the age of 40. The author says a couple of things that are outright silly too: the fat will replace muscle if you don't use muscle. It might replace the *space* the now-shrunken muscle occupied but you can't replace one kind of tissue with the other. That's nonsense. Another is that you should train your muscles in the way you use them every day, not according to weightlifting guidelines - her example is a leg press machine which she basically deems as providing an unnatural movement. Well, kinesiology and biomechanics studies have repeatedly demonstrated what weightlifting exercises are optimal for each muscle group and I'd go with that, not what this book claims.
Profile Image for Sarah Wilson.
55 reviews
February 8, 2023
This seems to be an excellent book… for people who have little to no current fitness lifestyle. She has great insights and a solid plan. So I recommend it for someone who needs a boost to get started.
632 reviews
April 5, 2025
Good solid advice about getting and/or staying fit over 40.

Covers all the movement requirements for staying healthy, with pictures:
F.A.C.E.
Flexibility
Aerobic exercise
Carry a load (strength training)
Equilibrium/balance

And a section on nutrition.
72 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2020
This book is for anyone 40+ and wants to be fit. Vonda Wright is an Orthepaedic Surgeon and gives ideas for exercises for people who are 40+. Recommend it for all.
Profile Image for Laura.
4 reviews
February 4, 2024
Some good nuggets but I think better for people who are new to fitness
Profile Image for Roopa.
653 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2024
Time to learn about taking care of our bodies and our health
2 reviews
March 11, 2025
Okay Read

Was fine for general fitness information. Not very up to date nor thorough on nutrition. Did pick up a few useful items.
Profile Image for Kim.
147 reviews
Read
March 21, 2025
I heard her talk about exercising for bone strength on the Mel Robbins show and appreciated her tips she gave in this book. Bought it for my kindle so I could reference it easily.
Profile Image for Lili Kim.
Author 12 books12 followers
June 19, 2025
Good workout tips, but I wonder if some parts of this book are outdated, e.g., the thoughts on creatine (since it's so trendy nowadays!). But who knows?
Profile Image for Paula Jinbo.
10 reviews
July 12, 2025
It was a quick read and reinforced a lot of things I had heard and seen before. For someone just getting back into a fitness routine it is a good foundational book.
Profile Image for Beth Harris.
4 reviews
December 15, 2025
A lot of great information, but I’m struggling to figure out how to implement all of it.
Profile Image for Sue.
51 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2015
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Do you notice some mornings it takes that little longer to hop (or roll / crawl) out of bed? When you drop something, instead of just swooping down to pick it up, you have to realign your body so that it doesn't aggravate that twinge on your lower back? Do you think that they days of fitness are somewhere in the past, along with your band/concert t-shirts and cheap jeans?
I will admit to most of the above, and while I like to think that I am fit, the reality of twinges, unexpected appearances of lumps of flesh, and ongoing tiredness, points to me not being fit.
I started this book and was pretty much engrossed by the first page, realising that by shortchanging my fitness, i'm shortchanging my quality of life into the next few decades.
I am still reading the copy I received, but have found that the format of the book isn't really designed for flicking back and forth between chapters, so I have purchased the paperback earlier version (this is the revision of the existing book), to facilitate enjoying and getting the best from it.
I would recommend anyone in their 40s to consider this book, it will make you think twice about the lifestyle choices you make.
Profile Image for Shelley.
1,137 reviews10 followers
April 8, 2015
ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is geared towards people over the age of 40, but I felt like most of it was geared to 50+. So I am 42 and will be the first to admit that your body changes quite a bit after you hit 40. However in no way do I think of 40 as old (maybe it is denial) but I just felt like this book grouped everyone over 40 into more or less the same group. Don't get me wrong, she does break down each decade (40's, 50's, 60's, etc) and talk about each specific group. She also goes to break down what type of shape you are currently in and what type of goals you should have (basically how we all need to move) There are also exercises illustrated to help get in shape.

The whole premise of this book is "Giving your Mobility a FACE lift" FACE stands for Flexibility, Aerobic exercise, Carry a load, and Equilibrium/Balance. The book is filled with lots of good information, however if you are already someone who takes care of yourself and exercises I am not sure how much new info you will gain from this book.
Profile Image for Tracy.
251 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2015
Fitness After 40: Your Strong Body at 40, 50, 60 and Beyond is a revised edition that includes the latest updates on the new science of aging to maximize your healthy including tips about how building a better body also builds a stronger brain.

The new Six Week to Jump Start to Mobility Plan that systematically integrates the four components of F.A.C.E.-ing your fitness after 40 (Flexibility, Aerobic Exercise, Carry a Load & Equilibrium/Balance). There are 26 brand new resistance exercises plus the 15 resistance exercises from the first edition with detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations to work out your whole body.

There is an overhauled nutrition chapter which deals with smart nutrition based on real science to minimize the aches and pains of aging via building an anti-inflammatory environment in your body. It also offers several new chapters for making Fitness After 40 the start of the best years of your life!

There are so many great tips in this book about nutrition and how to do exercises that do not require a gym membership!

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Belinda.
51 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2011
Two years ago, I felt I was in my best shape ever, but intense back pain sent me to physical therapy. There I was told I had a weak core and to do some simple exercises to fix it. This book took the time to explain why my body was betraying me when I was performing at my perceived peak. As we age, physiological changes cause our muscles and tendons to shorten. Stretching is the solution, but in the child-raising years exercise time is at premium. With so little time available, we want to get the most bang for our buck so we spend the entire time doing cardio work and drop stretching entirely. This creates a vicious cycle of soreness keeps many of us from exercising at all.

After 2 weeks of rolling and stretching as directed in the book, I am feeling relief from the back pain. I am about to start a 12 week F.A.C.E. program and feel confident I will be more than ready to run my first half marathon, pain free, this fall.

Note: I am using bands for the strength piece (C), a THRIVE foam roller and the FAF laminated cards (all can be found at Dicks Sporting Goods).
358 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2015
I reviewed this book for NetGalley.

Dr. Wright provides an excellent program for fitness and health for the 40+ crowd. The fitness program presented in the book is strongly supported by research and Dr. Wright's clinical experience and knowledge.

Dr. Wright writes in a supportive way, which is helpful for out of shape people who are in the beginning stages of improving their fitness. The book is quite useful for people at higher levels of fitness - most anyone wanting to improve his (or her fitness) should find this book very informative and useful.

I have been engaged in a fitness program for several years that uses some of the techniques found in Dr. Wright's book. They have been successful in restoring me to a much healthier state, and my opinion is that the program Dr. Wright presents in her book will accomplish the same goal for most people.

Very well written and useful fitness book. Great for anyone, not just people forty and over!
Profile Image for M.
417 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2020
First off, as of this writing I am NOT 40. I just like to plan ahead! I came across the author randomly on the internet while reading about running. Her style was irritating at the beginning of the book, but after that wore off, I thought there was a lot of good info in there. I know more about fitness than the average person, but I didn't know about how aging changes you and affects your fitness. This book is worth a read for that info alone. I am not a fan of picture of workout move; I'd rather have a DVD. But if you like pix, she's got 'em.
Profile Image for GONZA.
7,440 reviews126 followers
March 25, 2015
The biggest innovation that this book brings is the accent on the flexibility, plus all the information about the changing involving your body that happen growing old. Interesting and well written, it gives also easy suggestions that can be done daily.

La migliore novitá che secondo me porta questo libro, é l'accento sulla flessibilitá, piú tutte le informazioni riguardanti il corpo e il suo processo di invecchiamento. Interessante e ben scritto, offre inoltre utili suggerimenti che possono essere messi in pratica giornalmente.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND AMACOM FOR THE PREVIEW!
Profile Image for Maureen.
499 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2016
Ideas from this book:Keeping active is an important factor in aging well. Invest in yourself. Put your health goal in writing. My goal is to maintain and increase my performance and to prevent injury as recovery time is longer as I age.
F.A.C.E. = Flexibility, Aerobics, Carrying a Load (Resistance Training), Equilibrium
Profile Image for Amy.
1,239 reviews75 followers
August 4, 2016
There are some good exercises in here and some sound nutritional advice but not much that I haven't read or seen elsewhere. I thought there would be more drastically different advice based on age but there really wasn't, other than injury awareness.

This review is in exchange for a free e-galley from Netgalley.com.
Profile Image for Anne.
906 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2016
I am convinced I need to move more and become fit. I am not convinced to follow through with the author's suggested routines...there are too many different exercises to learn and keep straight for rotations.
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