Embracing Fitness After Age 40 for Women

Last updated on March 29th, 2024 at 12:30 pm

Is your big dream to become a triathlete at middle age but putting off working out without realizing it?

We spend our entire waking lives making decisions. The time we spend on everyday decisions, like putting water in a travel mug or filling the gas tank on the way home, is so minuscule that we don’t realize we are making them.

Bigger, life-changing decisions take longer and need more attention.

Fill your day with smaller, time-wasting decisions, and the bigger decisions will not get made. Eventually, you will wonder what happened to your dream plans to start participating in marathons.

I do it, too.  What is my favorite time-wasting question?

Should I workout today?

Here’s how the workout debate starts in my mind: It’s too cold outside. I just need 30 more minutes of sleep. I left my running shoes in the car. This kind of thinking distracts me from making bigger, more life-changing decisions and pushes me away from the very dream I intend to complete of being a triathlete.  I become my own worst enemy.

You can stop making time-wasting decisions.

1. Commit to your plan.
2. Share that plan with people who will hold you accountable.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been fighting to keep on my regular workout schedule, but I’ve made a big commitment that this is the year I will participate in a triathlon.

Sharing big dreams with others, like training for a triathlon, can keep you committed to your dream–as long as those people are supportive. This doesn’t mean that common time-wasting delay tactics don’t creep into my mind daily, but the commitment that I shared with family and friends ultimately wins my mental battle.

Some of my favorite time-wasting decision excuses for avoiding exercise:

“I’m too busy”: This is perhaps the most common excuse. People often use their busy schedules as a reason to skip workouts, even though finding time for exercise is possible with proper time management.

“I’m too tired”: Fatigue can be a genuine barrier to exercise, but sometimes it’s used as an excuse to avoid physical activity. While rest is important, regular exercise can boost energy levels in the long run.

“I’ll start tomorrow/next week/next month”: Procrastination is a common pitfall regarding exercise. Delaying the start of a workout routine can become a habit, preventing individuals from ever getting started.

“It’s too late/too early”: Some people use the time of day as an excuse, claiming it’s either too late or too early to exercise. However, a suitable time for physical activity can usually be adjusted to fit individual schedules.

“I’m not in the mood”: Motivation can fluctuate, but waiting to feel inspired to exercise can lead to long periods of inactivity. Building a routine and sticking to it, regardless of mood, can help overcome this excuse.

“I don’t have the right equipment”: While having access to specialized gym equipment can enhance workouts, it’s not always necessary. Many effective exercises can be done with minimal or no equipment.

“I don’t know what to do”: Lack of knowledge or guidance can hinder starting an exercise routine. However, plenty of resources, such as fitness apps, online videos, or personal trainers, can help individuals get started.

“I’ll just skip today and make up for it later.” Skipping one workout might not seem like a big deal, but it can easily become a habit. Consistency is key to seeing results from exercise.

“I don’t have anyone to exercise with”: While a workout buddy can motivate some people, it’s unnecessary for a successful exercise routine. Solo workouts can be just as effective with the right mindset.

“I’m too old/too out of shape”: Age or fitness level should not be barriers to exercise. Many types of workouts can be tailored to individual needs and abilities.

Recognizing your excuses for avoiding working out and addressing them head-on can help you overcome your barriers to exercise and establish a consistent training routine. You are in control of your workout decisions every single day. Small workout commitments can add up. You can walk at lunch, take stairs wherever you find them, and park as far as you can from the entrances to shopping malls and supermarkets. Any small attempt is a start.

Age is just a number. Every workout you do after age 40 is a testament to your strength, resilience, and commitment to living your best life. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and let each workout remind you of your incredible power to shape your future. You’re not just defying age; you’re rewriting the narrative of what it means to thrive at every stage of life. Keep pushing, challenging yourself, and shining brighter with every step forward. Your best years are still ahead of you.