Aging pretty much stinks. Sure, there are ways to do it gracefully, but these days, older folks don’t even seem to get respect for their greater wisdom. But you are wiser now, and mature enough to stop giving a crap about meaningless stuff. You know that your body’s fitness needs are changing, too. In a lot of ways, that’s a good thing. Read on for nine grueling exercises you no longer have to, or even should, do to yourself.

1. Intense or chronic cardio

Yes, cardiovascular exercise is and always will be a crucial part of any fitness plan. However, too much or too intense cardio actually has a negative effect on a body over age 40. If you overtax yourself, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol, which increases that pesky belly fat and your rate of aging. Not what you want from your fitness routine!

Instead: Try to get in about 150 minutes of moderate cardio each week. That breaks down to just over 20 minutes per day. Keeping your heart rate between 108 and 153 beats per minute helps to maximize the health benefits.