Dawned On Me

It’s crazy to think that 2019 is already more than half over but it’s not too late to keep your New Year’s resolution of getting and staying fit over 40!  Whether you’ve stayed committed all these months or have long fallen off the fitness wagon, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your health and fitness goals for the last half of the year!

I have been in a fitness routine for as long as I can remember.  That said, don’t think for a second that I enjoy it –  Not one bit actually!  I have to push myself hard each and every week.  What I have found however, is that as much as I dread the thought of getting out of bed and working out, when I fail to do it, my day is not nearly as good.  Really!  That’s the honest truth!  Having a fitness routine 6 days of the week, 365 days a year helps me tremendously.  Not only is it good for me and makes me feel better, it establishes an excellent foundation for my day ahead.  I have more energy, a better outlook and feel more motivated than on days I don’t work out.

Top 5 Tips for Getting and Staying Fit Over 40

1 Imagine Yourself in 2020

Why not begin next week on August 1st?  It’s a Thursday.  If you rather wait until the 5th, that’s ok too!  You have 5 months to a new and improved you!  By the New Year, you can take pride in the fact that you’ve worked towards a healthier and happier you! Decide and commit to the next five months.  Make these last five months of 2019 the best.

2 Establish a Routine

Routine is everything.  Humans do well on a routine!  Evaluate your schedule.  Figure out the best time of day to set aside 30 minutes – 30 minutes is all you need.

For me personally, I get straight out of bed, put on my workout gear, grab a bottle of water and begin my workout.  I find this routine works the best for me.  If I don’t do it first thing, I most likely will not work out that day.

A bonus is that I aim to drink a lot of water each day.  It’s super easy to get that first bottle of water in by doing my workout early.  I also love knowing I am going to get a big cup of coffee when I am done – It’s a big motivator let me tell ya!

As with anything, do it enough, make it a routine and it becomes engrained in you!

3 Find a Workout that Works for You

Find an exercise that appeals to you!  Do you like to spin, do yoga or pilates, barre class, weight train?

Do you prefer working out in a group with a class of other women or do you prefer going solo?

I fall into the solo category.  I like working out in our home.  I find it less time consuming than driving to and from a class.  We have a small gym area in our basement but you can easily dedicate a workout space just about anywhere in the house.

At home workouts have its benefits.  It can be both time saving and convenient.  On the other had, attending a class might make you feel more accountable.  It’s also a great place to meet like minded friends.  You choose what works best for you!

4 Make Cardio and Weight Training a Part of the Plan

Finding a good mix of cardio and weight training is a good plan.  I love the Beachbody workouts.  The 21 day fix and The 21 day fix extreme are a couple of my favorites.  I work out 6 days a week.  A typical week might be:

Monday-Lower body/Legs (Beachbody 21 day fix routine)

Tuesday-30 minutes of cardio (elliptical or spin bike)

Wednesday-Upper Body, arms (Beachbody – Body Beast routine)

Thursday- Cardio

Friday-Leg, Lower body

Saturday-Cardio or yoga or Arms

(I then mix it up again the following week)

Sundays – Rest

5 Invest in a few Cute Workout Looks and Sneakers

Here is the fun part!  There are so many cute leggings and sneakers that can help motivate you and keep you feeling inspired.

Find some leggings, sports bras, tops and a great pair of shoes.  Looking good = feeling good.

Here are some of my favorite fitness wear:

High Waisted Leggings: here, here, here and here 

Sports Bras & Tops: here, here, and here

Jacket (on sale!), Sneakers, Socks, Bag (LOVE this bag and on major sale!)

There’s still a lot of time in this year to work on  becoming a better you!  I have to remind myself of my own advice here.  Becoming and staying fit over 40, drinking lots of water, and stretching (stretching as we age is SO important) takes dedication and commitment but in the end, I promise it is 100 percent worth it!

What about you? What’s your favorite workout?  I’d love to hear your routine for being healthy and fit!

You can shop cool workout gear here:

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