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There are a number of ways to look at the question. How fit is super fit? How fit are you now? How do you define easy?
The short answer to the question is that it is possible to get super fit in your 40's and it can be easy with the right mind set.
How fit is super fit?
In your 40's it is important to be healthy as well as fit. The two are not necessarily the same thing. An athlete training at the peak of his game may not have the best health, he will be continually punishing his body to achieve the highest results, this will have an impact on his longer term health and immune system strength. You often see athletes struck down by viruses and they have to eat an extremely healthy diet to keep their immune system in good health. It is also not uncommon to see former athletes become incredibly unfit in later life after they have retired from their sport. As an average person in your 40's I would define super fit as someone who has low body fat (between 8% and 15% for a man and 12% and 18% for a woman), having good muscle definition, high levels of energy, good quality sleep, minimum injuries and illnesses and an overall sense of well being and positivity. If you can achieve this in your 40's you will be fitter than 90% of the population. You could call yourself super fit.
How easy is it?
My journey started in my very early 40's and has continued for around 6-7 years. When I started I had been drinking too much, eating an unhealthy diet and not exercising at all. I was somewhat overweight, continuously tired and somewhat depressed and anxious. I started exercising by throwing a few weights around and going for the odd run and the psychological results were immediate. I felt much better as my heart rate improved and I got my body moving. It took some years more to improve my diet and put together a proper routine of weight training, high intensity interval training, martial arts and a little cardio. As a mid-late 40's man, I now have body fat around 12% with a visible 6 pack and good muscle definition. I've never had so much energy and feel great most of the time, unless I've had an occasional weekend blow out socialising with friends, when it generally takes a few days to get back on track. In summary I would say that I am almost super fit but I have a little way to go. Was it easy? Yes and No. It took quite a long time and a bit of commitment, however the journey to fitness has almost always been fun and enjoyable, interspersed with a little bit of 'no pain no gain'. Nobody can tell you, for example, that the exhaustion felt while doing high intensity interval training is enjoyable, but the rush you feel straight afterwards is terrific. The pain is easily endurable if you know the benefits totally outweigh it.
Where are you starting from?
Depending on your current level of fitness, your journey will be different. You have two choices. Get fit in a short period of time by undertaking an intense exercise regime and complete dietary change. Or you could build up to a consistent and permanent change in your lifestyle over a number of years. I highly recommend the second approach, you are less likely to injure yourself or give up due to sheer exhaustion. Start slow, you will still feel the benefits. As your body adapts you can step up your routines. Change your diet by cutting out the most unhealthy items first and then working more healthy things into your diet, a small salad on the side with every meal for example. Using this approach don't expect immediate results, but give it a few years and enjoy the process. As time goes on, your hormones will rebalance and your body will become more resilient to exercise as it receives proper nutrition and sleep, your goals will change as you get fitter and you will be able to look in the mirror and feel impressed by your progress. From there onwards it is no longer a chore. It is simply a healthier fitter way of life and you will never want to go back.
So what's stopping you. Put together a simple plan and get started today, even if it's just a few press ups.
Good luck!
Good article, but I think that overall it depends on what type of development you're going for. If you're a powerlifter or a bodybuilder trying to push for more development in your 40's; it would be different to someone who is trying to improve their drive in Golf or Tennis.