Beat the heat: Why Meryl Streep prefers swimming over gymming
Meryl Streep's long-running swimming routine has drawn attention as cardiologists back low-impact exercise for older adults. The advice underscores why steady, joint-friendly activity may suit ageing hearts better than intense workouts.
When it comes to staying fit in your 60s and 70s, doing more is not always better. In fact, doing less at the right intensity may be exactly what the heart needs.
Hollywood actor Meryl Streep has long been known for her disciplined lifestyle, and her simple habit of swimming regularly well into her 70s is now drawing attention for all the right reasons.
While many people associate fitness with intense gym sessions, heavy weights, and high-energy workouts, cardiologists say that such routines may not always be suitable for ageing bodies.
Instead, low-impact exercises like swimming are emerging as a safer and more effective way to maintain heart health, joint mobility, and overall well-being.
Experts highlight that as the body ages, it undergoes natural changes, muscles become stiff, joints weaken, and balance may decline. In such a scenario, pushing the body through high-intensity workouts can sometimes do more harm than good.
This is where moderate, consistent exercise routines come into play.
WHY LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE IS SAFER FOR THE HEART AFTER 60
According to Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant, Department of Cardiology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, low-impact exercises like swimming are ideal for older adults because they provide cardiovascular benefits without putting excessive strain on the body.
He explains that swimming offers a full-body workout while being gentle on joints like the knees, hips, and spine. At the same time, it improves heart rate, lung capacity, and blood circulation. Since it allows for sustained aerobic activity at a moderate pace, it supports heart health without causing sudden spikes in exertion.
“As we age, the risk of joint degeneration, muscle stiffness, and balance issues increases. High-intensity workouts can be risky, but swimming reduces this risk while still keeping the heart active,” he says.
Another advantage is the lower risk of injuries. Because water supports body weight, the chances of strain or falls are significantly reduced, making it easier for seniors to stick to a regular routine.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WORKOUTS ARE TOO INTENSE?
While gym workouts have their benefits, experts caution against jumping into high-intensity routines, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Cardiologists warn that sudden intense exercise can:
Put extra pressure on the heart
Increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Leads to joint and muscle injuries
Trigger exercise-related cardiac events in older adults
High-intensity workouts often involve quick bursts of effort, which can be difficult for an ageing heart to handle. Without proper supervision and conditioning, these routines may do more harm than good.
SWIMMING VS GYM: WHAT WORKS BETTER FOR SENIORS
Low-impact swimming stands out because it combines safety with effectiveness. It helps maintain a steady heart rate, improves endurance, and supports long-term cardiovascular health.
Key benefits of swimming for older adults include:
Gentle on joints due to water support
Improves circulation and lung function
Builds stamina without overloading the heart
Lower risk of injury compared to gym workouts
Easier to maintain consistently
On the other hand, high-intensity gym sessions may deliver faster results, but they also come with higher risks, especially if not done under expert guidance.
WHY CONSISTENCY MATTERS MORE THAN INTENSITY
Dr Gupta also emphasises that when it comes to heart health, consistency is far more important than intensity.
“Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain blood pressure, improves circulation, and supports overall heart function. Occasional intense workouts can put sudden stress on the heart, especially in those who are not used to it,” he explains.
A steady routine like daily or frequent swimming helps the body adapt gradually, improving endurance and reducing inflammation over time. It also supports better metabolic health and keeps the cardiovascular system stable.
THE TAKEAWAY: SLOW, STEADY, AND SUSTAINABLE WINS
The growing focus on low-impact exercise is changing how we look at fitness, especially for older adults. Instead of chasing quick results, experts now recommend sustainable routines that the body can handle in the long run.
The fitness approach followed by Meryl Streep is a clear example of prioritising health, consistency, and longevity over intensity. For those in their 60s and beyond, this could be the safest path to staying active and heart-healthy.
In the end, the message from cardiologists is simple: move regularly, keep it moderate, and choose exercises that your body can sustain—not just today, but for years to come.
When it comes to staying fit in your 60s and 70s, doing more is not always better. In fact, doing less at the right intensity may be exactly what the heart needs.
Hollywood actor Meryl Streep has long been known for her disciplined lifestyle, and her simple habit of swimming regularly well into her 70s is now drawing attention for all the right reasons.
While many people associate fitness with intense gym sessions, heavy weights, and high-energy workouts, cardiologists say that such routines may not always be suitable for ageing bodies.
Instead, low-impact exercises like swimming are emerging as a safer and more effective way to maintain heart health, joint mobility, and overall well-being.
Experts highlight that as the body ages, it undergoes natural changes, muscles become stiff, joints weaken, and balance may decline. In such a scenario, pushing the body through high-intensity workouts can sometimes do more harm than good.
This is where moderate, consistent exercise routines come into play.
WHY LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE IS SAFER FOR THE HEART AFTER 60
According to Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant, Department of Cardiology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, low-impact exercises like swimming are ideal for older adults because they provide cardiovascular benefits without putting excessive strain on the body.
He explains that swimming offers a full-body workout while being gentle on joints like the knees, hips, and spine. At the same time, it improves heart rate, lung capacity, and blood circulation. Since it allows for sustained aerobic activity at a moderate pace, it supports heart health without causing sudden spikes in exertion.
“As we age, the risk of joint degeneration, muscle stiffness, and balance issues increases. High-intensity workouts can be risky, but swimming reduces this risk while still keeping the heart active,” he says.
Another advantage is the lower risk of injuries. Because water supports body weight, the chances of strain or falls are significantly reduced, making it easier for seniors to stick to a regular routine.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WORKOUTS ARE TOO INTENSE?
While gym workouts have their benefits, experts caution against jumping into high-intensity routines, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Cardiologists warn that sudden intense exercise can:
Put extra pressure on the heart
Increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Leads to joint and muscle injuries
Trigger exercise-related cardiac events in older adults
High-intensity workouts often involve quick bursts of effort, which can be difficult for an ageing heart to handle. Without proper supervision and conditioning, these routines may do more harm than good.
SWIMMING VS GYM: WHAT WORKS BETTER FOR SENIORS
Low-impact swimming stands out because it combines safety with effectiveness. It helps maintain a steady heart rate, improves endurance, and supports long-term cardiovascular health.
Key benefits of swimming for older adults include:
Gentle on joints due to water support
Improves circulation and lung function
Builds stamina without overloading the heart
Lower risk of injury compared to gym workouts
Easier to maintain consistently
On the other hand, high-intensity gym sessions may deliver faster results, but they also come with higher risks, especially if not done under expert guidance.
WHY CONSISTENCY MATTERS MORE THAN INTENSITY
Dr Gupta also emphasises that when it comes to heart health, consistency is far more important than intensity.
“Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain blood pressure, improves circulation, and supports overall heart function. Occasional intense workouts can put sudden stress on the heart, especially in those who are not used to it,” he explains.
A steady routine like daily or frequent swimming helps the body adapt gradually, improving endurance and reducing inflammation over time. It also supports better metabolic health and keeps the cardiovascular system stable.
THE TAKEAWAY: SLOW, STEADY, AND SUSTAINABLE WINS
The growing focus on low-impact exercise is changing how we look at fitness, especially for older adults. Instead of chasing quick results, experts now recommend sustainable routines that the body can handle in the long run.
The fitness approach followed by Meryl Streep is a clear example of prioritising health, consistency, and longevity over intensity. For those in their 60s and beyond, this could be the safest path to staying active and heart-healthy.
In the end, the message from cardiologists is simple: move regularly, keep it moderate, and choose exercises that your body can sustain—not just today, but for years to come.
