Ever wondered why, despite all your efforts, your fitness routine isn’t quite hitting the mark now that you’re over 40? Yeah, you’re not alone.
I took a deep dive into this topic in a YouTube video, and let me tell you, the insights are too good not to share on the blog too.
Listen up ladies over 40 wrestling with unyielding fitness hurdles, hormonal rollercoasters, and a body that seems to have a mind of its own—this is your must-watch, must-read guide. I’ve got the lowdown on all those pesky fitness mistakes you might be making without even realizing it.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself questioning why your body isn’t cooperating the way it used to, you’ll want to keep reading. This could be the missing puzzle piece you’ve been searching for.
The Six-Pack Abs Fallacy
Firstly, can we please stop obsessing over six-pack abs as the ultimate fitness goal? Let me break it down for you: to reveal those abs, your body fat has to dip below 18%. This is not just a vanity metric, my friends, it’s potentially a health risk!
We’re talking about messing up hormonal levels, losing your period, and all sorts of other fun stuff like increasing anxiety and depression. So, you want to have a six-pack? Cool. But remember that doing so might entail a host of repercussions. The issue is not just physical—it’s about your holistic health. I once chased after that six-pack, and guess what? It took a toll on my hormones and even my bone density. So let’s measure progress in healthier ways, shall we?
The Stagnation Game: Progressive Overload
On to mistake number two—failing to understand the concept of periodization and progressive overload. You go to the gym and keep lifting the same weights or performing the same number of reps, yet wonder why your body isn’t showing any change. Ring a bell?
If you’re not increasing the weights or varying your exercises, you’re essentially letting your body create a state of homeostasis where everything stays the same. To break the plateau and actually progress, you need to shake things up. Change your routine every six weeks or so. Don’t be afraid to try something new—be it pickleball, roller skating, or whatever else tickles your fancy.
Technique and Form
Next, let’s talk about the importance of good technique and form. I see this all the time: women spending hours doing exercises incorrectly and then lamenting about not seeing results. A few sessions with a qualified trainer can make a world of difference in how effective your workout is. So, do yourself a favor and invest in learning the right form.
Copy-Paste Diet and Exercise Routines
One of the big mistakes we make is emulating the diet and workout routine of a fitness influencer who’s like 10-15 years younger than us. Newsflash: You are unique, with different nutritional and physical needs. Don’t try to be a younger version of someone else; be the best current version of yourself.
Self-Comparison: The Thief of Joy
Lastly, the emotional toll of comparing ourselves to our past selves, or to others, can’t be underestimated. Positive self-talk can be a game-changer. Your body listens to what you tell it. A negative mindset is going to hinder progress, period. Celebrate your body for what it is today, and for all it allows you to do.
The Final Note
If you’ve done all these things and you’re still not seeing the results you want, consider speaking with a registered dietitian. Someone who can provide personalized advice can be incredibly helpful.
So there you have it, friends. If you liked what you read, continue your journey with me by watching the video “5 Fitness Mistakes to AVOID for Women Over 40” on YouTube. Your future self will thank you for the knowledge nuggets you’re gathering today.
Hit that YouTube subscribe button if you found this post valuable, and until next time, let’s embrace wellness in a way that makes sense for us!
Catch you soon! 🌟
