With exercise proven to counteract muscle loss, we unveil our old-school training tips. It’s never too late to pick up a gym habit. You’re never too old to get your dream body, and you're never too past it to sculpt a summer six-pack.

Whether you're lifting weights or incorporating bodyweight exercises on your walks, performing resistance exercises is crucial for building muscle and burning fat in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Exercise is key to your independence and a good quality of life as you age. You lose muscle mass as you get older, and exercise can help you rebuild it. Muscles also burn more calories than fat, even at rest, which will offset your slowing metabolism.

Cardio or aerobic exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe harder, which builds your endurance and burns calories. Strength or weight training keeps your muscles ready for action. Flexibility exercises help you stay limber so you can have a full range of movement and avoid injury. Balance training becomes important after age 50, so you can prevent falls and stay active.