Tag: health

Get After It

A workout? Exercise? Gym membership?

No thanks.

I have never liked to workout. I love being active, going on walks, working around the farm and in the garden. But going to a gym and doing a structured workout has always turned me off.

Until recently.

Unfortunately I have hit the perimenopause yuck stage in life. And I’ve felt constantly tired, weak, and unmotivated. Last summer at a park date, I heard two women talking about their workouts and how much they love it and how good they feel. I couldn’t stop thinking about their attitude towards it and wondering why and how they could possibly “love it”.

Well, fast forward a bit and I got together with one of them, who has turned into a fast friend. I asked her about working out and her loving it and she eagerly told me all about the program she does. I decided, well, it’s worth a try.

I did the free two week trial and was hooked. I’ve been working out for over five months now and can’t believe how much stronger I feel. It’s not always easy. Do I want to get up early and push my body while I fight yawns? Definitely not. But I’m finding the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice!

I’m here to tell you what I wish I had known ten years ago: Get after it, ladies!

I wish someone in her 40’s would have told the 30 something year old me to get after it. To start before perimenopause snuck in and took over. My only regret with working out is not starting years ago.

But, at least I’m doing it! Do something everyday, especially strength training. Give your body, mind, and spirit that gift. Believe me, it spills into every part of life, making you stronger and more diligent in everything.

Here’s me all sweaty and worn out with my workout buddy who’s only job is to steal my Pilates ball!
Every six weeks I do a Benchmark Test. I’m getting stronger and stronger every time! And while some of the numbers haven’t gone up much, I added weights or lowered the elevation so they are actually more difficult moves.

Even if you are like me and have never ever wanted to do structured workouts, just do it! Make yourself do it! I just had a conversation with one of my kids about how sometimes in life we just have to do hard things even when we don’t want to because they are necessary and good for us. Please hear me when I say, strength training IS necessary for you! I won’t get into all the scientific stuff, but women lose 40% of their muscle mass in their 40’s if they don’t workout. That brings on all sorts of problems later in life!

Do it for yourself! Do it for your kids! I want to be active and able to keep up with my kids and grandkids for a long time to come so I’m doing what I can now to accomplish that future goal.