50 is the new 30!
I just turned 50 on September 2nd this year. I can’t believe it. I can’t even say I have three teenagers anymore because my oldest turned 21 this year and will be graduating from college. One is a sophomore close to 20 and one turning 18 and will be going to college next year.
What has changed about 50? Well, let’s see…I have aches and pains I never had before. Mobility work is a necessity now. Massages should be more frequent than they are, but I am working on that one. Oh, and migraines…boy, are they fun! Hello hormones!!!
What is the toughest for me is that I am struggling to fit in my workouts. I hate working out alone! I feel like I kinda lost my mojo. I used to teach up to 15 group ex classes a week before I started my training business. The group thing rocks!!! That’s why I love training my clients in groups, small and big! It’s more FUN!
Another thing about 50 and exercising? Shit hurts! And shit cracks and clicks! But I keep at it because I know the alternative is worseJ You gotta keep moving no matter what! I refuse to buy bigger pants!!!
So how do you make working out at 50+ manageable? You listen to your body and don’t beat yourself up for missing a workout or switching up your exercise routine!
Some days I like to lift heavy. Other days I need to get my heart rate up so I bust out a HIIT session. Some days I like to walk. Other days I like to run. And on the weekend, if my 4th workout of the week hasn’t happened, I am ok doing yoga or going for a hike.
Here’s what I did notice about 50 and exercise…I forget I am 50 because I still feel like I am 30! This past September, I was out in Las Vegas for our DVRT Master Trainer Summit. I didn’t think twice about jumping out of our Uber to go hiking in Red Rocks National Park for several hours. If I weren’t in decent shape, I wouldn’t have been able to pull that off for sure!
The intensity may not always be what it used to, but I have accepted that a slower, milder pace is ok, especially if I’m not feelin it that particular day.
I guess I am learning to stop pushing for perfection when it comes to exercise. From the girl that worked out up until her delivery date, that’s a big step!