A Whole New Fitness Journey!
Next year I turn 40! I’m in ready to make it the best decade of my life. And to kick it off, I’m starting a new fitness journey that looks totally different from my original weight loss journey at 32.
Like many women, I’ve noticed changes in my body over the past couple of years that I wasn’t entirely prepared for…thanks to perimenopausal weight gain and the lasting impact of past injuries. But these aren’t obstacles that hold me back instead I see them as new challenges to overcome. I’m excited to share this new chapter of my life with you, and I’ll be documenting the whole journey on YouTube, beginning with a 21-day fitness program that I’m modifying to fit my current place in life.
If you’re tackling your own fitness and weight loss goals in midlife, or if past injuries have made getting back in shape feel overwhelming, this post is for you. I’m sharing what’s driving me and how I’m adapting my approach to fit my aging body’s constantly changing needs.
Perimenopausal Changes
One of the catalysts for this new fitness journey was the realization that my body is changing as I near my 40s and enter perimenopause. Like many women, I’ve experienced some unexpected weight gain. Hormonal shifts made having the energy to work out so much harder and made gaining weight easier.
But this journey isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about feeling strong, confident, and athletic as I enter a new phase of my life.
Managing Past Injuries
Back in 2018, I herniated a disc in my back, and it’s a lingering injury that has significantly influenced how I approach fitness. Chronic back pain has been a daily constant, making a regular workout routine difficult. The fear of re-injury is ALWAYS there, so I’m moving forward in this new fitness journey focusing on modifying most workouts.
This injury has taught me to listen to my body like never before. Stupidly, for years, I would push through the pain, thinking…I don’t know what I was thinking honestly lol. But that approach led to taking a prolonged break from fitness. So now, I’m focusing on learning to modify my workouts to protect my back while still challenging myself.
Why a 21-Day Fitness Program?
A 21-day program allows me to focus on building consistency and making exercise a habit again, while also giving me the flexibility to modify workouts based on how my body feels each day. It’s the perfect way to start this new chapter while keeping my long-term goals in mind.
Adapting My Workouts
One of the main changes in this journey vs my first weight loss journey is how I approach my workouts. Every exercise I do now is heavily modified to prevent injury, especially to my back. This means avoiding movements that could strain my spine and incorporating exercises that strengthen my core and improve my posture.
Adapting my workouts for my new fitness journey:
- Low-impact cardio: Instead of the high-intensity workouts that I used to do that stress my joints and back, I’m focusing on low-impact cardio like walking and dancing. These exercises still get my heart rate up without risking injury.
- Flexibility and mobility work: By doing a combo of pilates and yoga, I’m focusing on improving my flexibility, particularly in my hamstrings and hips, to relieve pressure on my lower back.
- Strength training with modifications: Strength training is SO important for building muscle and boosting metabolism, but, right now, I’m using lighter weights and focusing on proper form.
By modifying my workouts, I’m ensuring consistency without risking another injury that would set me back. It’s all about small steps!
My Journey on YouTube
I’m super excited to document this journey on YouTube. I want to share the highs and lows, successes and setbacks, and everything in between! Fitness in midlife comes with unique challenges, and I want to create a space where midlife women can support and encourage each other.
I’ll share regular updates on my progress, tips for staying motivated, and insights into fitness and weightloss in your 40s. I’ll also discuss the emotional and mental aspects of fitness—because mindset work is just as important as the physical work.
By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to take the first step toward better health and fitness. Whether you’re dealing with injury recovery, perimenopausal changes, or just trying to find the motivation to start, you’re not alone!
Long-Term Goals
This 21-day program is just the beginning! My long-term goal is to live an athletic lifestyle for a while and do what works for my body to manage my weight and keep me feeling strong and healthy as I move into a whole new decade.
I’m not aiming for perfection! Instead, I’m focused on building habits that I can maintain long-term. This means continuing to modify my workouts, listening to my body, and giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
Subscribe on YouTube!
Starting a new fitness journey in your 40s can feel intimidating, especially when dealing with injury recovery and perimenopausal weight gain. But it’s never too late to take control of your health and start feeling stronger and more confident in your body.
Want to be motivated and inspired on your own journey? Make sure to follow me on YouTube!
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