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Burn with Kearns: 40-plus crowd, this is for YOU! – Kevin Kearns
by Kevin Kearns, contributing writer on fitness, exercise, self-defense
Why is Instability Training Crucial for the 40-Plus Crowd?
As we age, our bodies naturally go through a series of changes. Muscles lose mass, joints become stiffer, and balance may start to decline. These changes can lead to increased risks of injury, reduced mobility, and a general decline in overall physical performance. However, integrating instability training into your fitness routine can be a game-changer, especially for those of us who are 40 and beyond.
The Burn with Kearns Approach
Our approach is first , as a seasoned fitness professional with decades of experience, my team and I have developed a unique philosophy that addresses the needs of aging bodies. Our “Burn with Kearns” approach emphasizes functional strength, core stability, and mental resilience. One of the core elements of his training system is instability training, which not only strengthens the body but also enhances balance, coordination, and mental focus.
What is Instability Training?
Instability training involves exercises that challenge your balance and core stability by using tools like stability balls, BOSU balls, and balance boards. These tools create an unstable environment, forcing your muscles, especially your core, to work harder to maintain balance. Unlike traditional exercises that isolate muscle groups, instability training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to more functional strength.
The Benefits for the 40-Plus Population
- Improved Balance and Coordination: As we age, our proprioception (awareness of body position) declines, which can lead to falls and injuries. Instability training helps sharpen these skills by constantly challenging your body to stay balanced. This is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining independence as we grow older.
- Enhanced Core Strength: A strong core is the foundation of a healthy body. It supports your spine, improves posture, and reduces the risk of back pain—a common complaint among the 40-plus crowd. Instability exercises like planks on a stability ball or single-leg deadlifts engage your core muscles more intensely than traditional exercises.
- Joint Stability and Flexibility: Stiff joints and reduced flexibility are common as we age. Instability training requires joints to move through various ranges of motion, promoting joint health and flexibility. This is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle and avoiding injuries.
- Functional Strength: Unlike bodybuilding exercises that focus on isolated muscle groups, instability training builds functional strength that translates to real-world activities. Whether it’s lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your grandkids, functional strength is what keeps you moving efficiently and safely.
- Mental Focus and Resilience: Instability training is not just a physical challenge—it’s a mental one too. Maintaining balance and proper form requires concentration, which helps sharpen your mental focus. This aspect of training can also improve your mental resilience, making it easier to handle stress both in and out of the gym. https://burnwithkearns.com/services/anti-bullying-self-defense-classes-and-workshop-for-schools
Burn with Kearns: A Real-World Example
We often say , “Train your core the way you live your life.” Our programs emphasize the importance of integrating core strength with everyday movements. For example, rather than just doing a standard bicep curl, he might have you perform it while balancing on one leg or standing on a BOSU ball. This approach ensures that your core is always engaged, teaching your body to stay strong and stable no matter what life throws your way. https://burnwithkearns.com/services/personal-training
How to Get Started
If you’re new to instability training, start slow and focus on proper form. Begin with basic exercises like standing on one leg or performing push-ups on a stability ball. As you progress, you can incorporate more challenging movements, such as single-leg squats or planks with leg lifts. The key is consistency—integrate these exercises into your routine at least twice a week for best results. https://burnwithkearns.com/services/self-defence-4-u
Conclusion
Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. With the right approach to fitness, you can stay strong, agile, and balanced well into your later years. Instability training, as advocated by myself , my clients and my team is an essential component of a well-rounded fitness program for the 40-plus , 50 plus and even 60 plus crowd. By focusing on core strength, balance, and functional movement, you’ll not only improve your physical health but also enhance your overall quality of life.
Be relentless is your pursuit to help others!
Coach Kearns
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Read ALL articles by Kevin Kearns – here: BURN WITH KEARNS
Both of Coach Kearns’ books may be purchased on www.Amazon.com. For more information about Coach Kevin Kearns, including scheduling speaking engagements and classes (both online and in person), please contact him at 508-404-8503 or [email protected].Author of “There’s Light In The Tunnel” How to Survive and Thrive with Depression – “Always Picked Last“ A guide to navigating bullies on Amazon and Audible youtube.com/user/burnwithkearns https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/burnwithkearns
Coach Kevin Kearns has been coaching in the world of fitness, nutrition, and tactical self defense for over 3 decades. As the former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pro Fighters, and ranked in the Top 5 in the UFC , he is no stranger to the the importance of proper nutrition and proper mindset programming. He has long advocated to all his clients – athletes or the general population – about the importance of programming mind, body and spirit. Coach Kevin Kearns BS FMS CPT – Former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pros Ranked in Top 5 by the UFC Personal Fitness Coach, Author, Columnist, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Wellness Consultant, Youth Wellness Program Provider, Certification Specialist, Personal Self Defense, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Specialist.