It’s Never To Late to Start a Fitness Plan, Make Exercise Part of Your Life!
As a young child I remember eating whatever my parents allowed me. This included a rich Latin meal followed by a sweets. I never worried about gaining weight.
As I approached my teens I began to notice that I couldn’t just eat whatever I wanted. I started to gain weight fast and I was not happy. I was determined to do something about it so I hit the gym obsessively and utilized all types of training methods. They all worked and I was able to maintain my weight by discovering the proper balance in nutrition and exercise. In my 20’s I felt like I was in the best shape ever.
After having three children in my 30’s I started to realize that my body changed. Having babies as well as getting older contributed to this change. I began to add strength training, toning and cardio, three times a week. This was all I needed to maintain my ideal weight. I felt great! Healthy and strong.
Now a few years shy of the big 40 I recall what my friend said to me, “wait till you hit your 40’s, everything goes to s__t! Everything slows down and you’ll have to work harder to keep the weight off.” Well there’s some truth to her theory but I wanted to prove her wrong.
I embarked in a plan that would change my body, mind and the way I feel about exercising. It constantly evolves so it doesn’t feel like a chore. I know now that I have to work harder and push myself on the off days by changing my routine. I was wrong about my 20’s I’m in better shape now.
Here are a few important facts to know as we reach our 40’s.
Research indicates at the age of 40 and beyond, it is important for men and women to realize that their joints are also 40 years old. That said, you might need to modify your exercise intensity and routine in keeping with the physical, physiological and hormonal changes that naturally occur at this time.
According to Women’s Health magazine, an aerobic routine coupled with strength training, a healthy diet and stretching has been proven to replace lost muscle, gets the body’s metabolism revved up, keeps weight off, reduces pre- and post-menopausal symptoms, lowers blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. In addition, exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and kidney stones, helps fight depression and promotes improved sleep patterns. Most importantly for this age group, the focus needs to be on physical activity as opposed to dieting.
Find something that works for you. You know what doesn’t work and you have plenty of resources at our fingertips to help you find the answers. If you lack motivation, take a class! Bootcampers often tell us they love the workouts because they don’t have to think about them. They just have to show up and follow along.
Try working out at home and get your kids involved. Get an exercise partner. Take the stairs at work. Walk instead of using your car. Start something and make it consistent.
It’s never too late! Don’t give up before you try!
- Bernadette McLoughlin
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