Throughout my 32 years in the wellness industry, and my 56 years on this planet, I’ve learned this important fact: A healthy body is not about being skinny and fitting into those size zeroes that I wore in high school. It’s also not about running a marathon or being able to outrun my three grandkids.
It is about being the best version of ME! It is about doing everything with ease, energy and strength.
Research shows that after age 40, women typically lose 8% or more of their muscle mass every ten years. But losing strength as we get older is not inevitable. Sweating on a daily basis is key not only to detoxing but to looking and feeling great! If you start adding regular resistance training to your daily routine, it will make you feel like a superhero as you toss those grandkids up in the air. Bonus, you’ll also be decreasing your risk of heart disease while lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol and adding on a slew of other physical and mental health benefits.
I’ve been lifting weights consistently for 38 years and when I started teaching women how to weight train back in 1988, I found that when we all sweat together it just did something to bond our group and keep everyone consistent. The women I coach who make real changes do this one thing: They make a commitment to do something for themselves every single day. They decide to commit and stick with it regardless of what happens. It’s the only way to make real changes. Allowing excuses to get in your way and waiting for the “perfect time” to get started means you won’t do it and you won’t get the results that you want.
In reality, life events will get in the way – but don’t beat yourself up about it! I assure you, I’ve had my share of events that took me out of the loop many times. Make that commitment to yourself. Transformation is not a diet fix. It is a lifestyle change. Learn how to eat healthy and research which exercises will work best for your body type. I guarantee that you’ll grow stronger each day and with each day, you’ll gain more confidence.
And ladies - life after 40 doesn’t have to be a time of physical decline. It can be a time of rejuvenation and finding your strength – spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Start doing weight-bearing exercises. You’ll find a ton of great resources on Pinterest, YouTube and DuckDuckGo. Lifting consistently will fire up your metabolism and keep it burning for many hours after your workout. The benefit is that the more muscle you gain, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day, even when you're not active.
I’d love to hear from all you women in the community! What is your favorite way to exercise and stay strong?
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