Today I’m sharing important fitness tips for women over 40. Believe me when I say that aging won’t slow you down, inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle choices do. I speak from experience because my body is a lot stronger now, I am in tiptop shape, and my health is hundred times better compared to when I was in my 20s. With determination and self-discipline, I took control of my health, my life and just kept going! So when and how do you start then? how do you stay motivated?
First, evaluate your current lifestyle. No self-denial. What is your current body mass index? are you stricken by chronic illness related to your lifestyle choices? Barring medical conditions beyond one’s control, we all know for a fact that hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obesity, to name a few are direct consequences of poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle (read important health screening tests for women over 40).
Second, squash the mindset of “eating in moderation”. You need to watch what you eat, not just how much you eat. Medium-size soda, tall frappucino, one bag of chips, three slices of pepperoni pizza, these are “moderate” by definition to some people. You should be mindful of the quality of food you are eating. Remember, you are what you eat.
Third, consider a largely plant-based diet. By definition, plant-based diet means minimal to zero animal consumption (read complete transition guide here). There are hundreds of clinical studies that support the ability of plant nutrition in preventing and reversing chronic lifestyle diseases. Even the outgoing president of the American College of Cardiology Dr. Kim Williams, who happens to be vegan, highly endorse this diet. More recently, the American Diabetes Association also maintains that a plant-based diet can in fact help with diabetes management. You’ve read the memo, now is the time to take important steps to bettering your health.
Fourth, move, stay active, exercise. There are thousands of resources available in the internet. Youtube alone has various fitness routines you can do in the the comfort of your home of office. Invite a friend, hubby, even your officemate to the gym. There is strength and fun in numbers. But most important of all, strive for consistency. Dedicate a time for fitness everyday or few times a week; remember, nothing works overnight. Sow consistently and you will reap eventually (read workout outfits that won’t break the bank and my fitness essentials).
Lastly, create a personal challenge and reward yourself later. As some of you probably know, I went plant-based a decade ago as a personal challenge. My motivation is plain and simple: I want to grow old and enjoy my retirement years healthy and strong. This year, my personal challenge is to tone my arms. I want to look strong not just cute, haha. Okay cute and strong! As for the reward? perhaps a trip to the mainland!
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I love your animal print workout top. How chic! I am considering running outdoors today because the temperatures have gotten back into the 40s – woohoo!
Wow your 40 degrees would still freeze me. I got these workout clothes from HauteLook
Excellent tips, Kath! I love your outfit!
I agree with all of your fitness tips. Now I just need to put those words into action and get my act together!
Great tips, definitely not just for the over 40 crowd though! I don’t like fish, but I would like to model my diet after the Mediterranean diet (a fav of cardiologists as well!) when I make major lifestyle changes this year!
Some great tips even though I won’t become a vegan/vegetarian.
It’s bad because many times my rewards are food related. HAHA! Now my rewards are seeing the #’s on the scale change. I’m starting out slow. I usually overdo it and injure myself when I start to work out. So i’m walking during lunch at work. Baby steps. So far, I’m down weight, so I’m happy. I’m also writing down what I eat and that has been helping too.
I’m so happy you’re taking important steps to bettering your health. Cheers to that
I have a hard time staying active in the winter here when it’s negative temperatures outside. I can’t wait for Spring though!
I understand. I work out at home too. I just watch some YouTube routines
That work out gear is SO FIERCEEE!!
Many mahalo
It really helps to have dogs to walk daily for some exercise. Love all your tips!
Yes, they keep you active!
I love your workout outfit. And your doggie!
Doggie said many thanks
Great tips. Love the leopard workout wear!
Thank you. This leopard print workout clothes are really nice
Very good tips! I have fibromyalgia so fitness and exercise is a real struggle for me. I have switched to a largely plant based diet though and I have focused on developing more strength in my arms and legs. I’m able to do much more than I could 2-3 years ago but its still very minimal compared to pre-fibro!
Small steps. I am happy you have switched to plant-based diet. If it could help you, I am in several FB groups who are on plant-based/vegan diet. Their amazing stories on disease reversal are really encouraging! I also suggest to follow medical doctors who endorse plant nutrition like Dr Greger, Dr Davis, Dr Mills, Dr Esselstyn.
You look fabulous my friend! Thanks for sharing these important fitness tips.
Thanks much my fabulous friend. Glad you found me here
What a cute top! Your tips are totally solid!
Mahalo
You look amazing.
Thank you
Totally agree! A body in motion, stays in motion. It’s been tough for me, as my sons pregnancy seemed to jump start some auto-immune issues for me (AS and Fibro). I gotta keep reminding myself that staying active, while painful at times, actually helps. You look amazing!
Sorry to hear. I hope it gets better in time. Hugs
Awesome tips! I hope to move enough so the future “me” will be thankful for it 🙂
Girl you look amazing and you value your health, so no doubt about it
These are great tips for people of any age, not just women over 40! Your workout clothes are always great.
Thanks so much. Yes, it can be for any age.
Adorable work out clothes! Ha, love workout clothes pls cute ones motivate me to work out!
same here, the cuter, the more motivated I am haha
Those are some nice tips and you definitely look very fit !
many thanks! I appreciate your sweet comment
I love these tips! You are so right about it not just being about moderation as we get older! You really have to watch what you eat! I have been working on eating more fruits and vegetables. Love your workout top!
Thank you. I am happy to share personal experiences concerning health. Since I have worked in healthcare for so many years now, I have seen first hand the damaging effects of unhealthy eating habits to patients.
Such a wonderful insight. Happy to discover this.
Regards
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