Time to adjust your mindset about your exercise.

Midlife can be a stark reminder that our bodies don't move the way they used to.

You might not be able to just jump right back into your running routine, pilates class, or weight lifting after a period of absence from it.

I taught Zumba for many years and recently thought I would revisit an old routine. I could not finish it. The next day, I was very sore. It felt good to get back into it, but I realized I needed to take it slow. 

Now that I am well into my 50s, I have also come to realize that I benefit from different types of movement.

Movement instead of exercise.

During my health and life coach training, I was taught to reframe my thoughts around exercise to include all movement.

I was all about the aerobic exercise. Doing things that would raise my heart rate was all I was concerned about. Burn calories and lose weight. This was exercise to me.

As I age, I value all movement. This includes cleaning my house, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, working in my garden, dancing, stretching, and lifting weights.

I feel the best when I can get a variety of movement, not just aerobic.

I have osteoporosis which means that strength training is important for my bone health. Stretching in my office chair at work helps me feel relaxed and keeps me flexible. 

Variety keeps it interesting

It's easy to get stuck in our same old "exercise" routine. Our brains and our bodies need variety in our movement.

I try to get a little aerobic, strength training, and stretching in throughout the week.

If I don't feel like one type of movement that day, I can choose another.

I help women over 40 take small steps to form new habits, including movement habits. In Midlife Roadmap, I teach you how to make your own Movement Menu so you can stay active and form movement habits that will help you thrive through midlife and beyond.

Following through with our "exercise" (movement) goals can be hard. Life can just get in the way unless you know how to easily form new habits.

The Midlife Guide is a free resource I have put together so you can learn how to follow through with your movement goals for more than just a few weeks. 

Feel confident and excited about your midlife movement. Get your free guide today.

Your Midlife Coach,

-Cathy

Certified Habit Trained Health & Life Coach