Second Act: Fitness

I just turned 48.
Holy COW! 
How did that happen!?
 

When I was 26, after having my youngest child, I weighed 204lbs. I spent most of my 20's hating my body and treating it badly.
In my 30's, I got thinner (by purging and poor nutrition), slightly fitter (from running as an emotional escape) and still hated my body and treated it badly (smoking, eating like crap, etc.).
In my early 40's, I spent a lot of time thinking, pondering (ok, obsessing) about how I wasted my youth hating my body and treating it badly. After several attempts which resulted in falling flat on my face, I finally, really, truly GOT something. It's not what I'm eating, it's what's eating me. I had to get ok with me. Right now, as is. Then make a real decision to value who I was, warts and all, and take care of this vehicle I showed up on Earth in, before it crapped out on me.

Now: I'm 48. I never met a carb I didn't like. Red wine is my friend but I eat well most of the time. I'm in pretty good shape for an old broad. I work out regularly, wear a size 6, run the odd 5k, do yoga religiously every morning and am probably stronger than I've ever been in my life, due to weight training. I do not own a scale and have no intention of buying one. I also happen to live with a personal trainer, so being out of shape is out of the question. These are all good things. Not because I'm trying to be 26 again but because I'm trying to be strong. To be fit. To fuel my vehicle's engine with high test instead of the cheap gas. Again, not because I'm trying to be "cute" (although that helps) but because I love the way I feel. I love the energy and mood lift it provides. And it keeps me young in attitude- doing things like 5K obstacle mud runs and pushing myself physically. The fountain of youth is found in movement, in the kitchen and in your attitude. If I can do it SURELY anyone can.

The truth is that it really is never too late. I know many who started changing their lifestyle in their 40's and 50's and are now full-on athletes.

Take my friend Christine, or as I like to call her: my Little Gazelle. Two years ago, when she was 42 and I was 46, she sent me an email with a link to a 5k, obstacle-filled, mud-soaked race, along with the plea, "Please, you're the only one I know who's crazy enough to do this with me." So, being the shy, retiring, petite flower that I am (snort); I signed up with her.

I trained maybe three times a week. 

 

Christine took it to a whole new level. She studied the science of running, of fitness. She made her body a scientific experiment. She modified her diet to aid in muscle growth, speed and recovery. She went to the world-renowned Rothman institute in Philadelphia and had her gait and running style studied; so that she could purchase the proper shoes and orthotics. And in the ensuing two years she has turned herself, at 44 years of age, into a true athlete.  We no longer run races together because I run a 10 minute mile (on a good day) and that pace is laughable to her now. She is a gazelle.

She also looks fantastic. She has always been a beautiful girl, but now she's in amazing health and it shows in the glow of her skin, the radiance of her smile and the positivity of her attitude.

  

As I get nearer to 50 myself, it becomes less about what my body looks like, and more about what it can do. (Let's be honest, being fit only slows gravity, it doesn't stop it entirely.) 

I can lift heavier than I ever could. 

I'm 48. 

I'm a grandmother. 

And this is an unretouched photo of me after morning yoga.

I think I'm holding up rather well, if I do say so myself.

The upshot is this: there is no reason you cannot improve your health and fitness even if it's just s little. Start from where you are right now. Move something. Dance in the kitchen while you are making dinner. Take the stairs. Walk the dog. Make exercise like brushing your teeth - an automatic thing you don't even have to think about. Choose the apples instead of the french fries. Small changes yield big results. I promise.
  
There are many resources out there for you to get educated and motivated to take care of YOUR health so you can enjoy a fantastic quality of life well into your Second Act. 

Here are a few for you to click on:

Education:

LiveStrong
Men's Health
Women's Health
Discovery Health

Motivation:

Strong is the New Skinny
Strong Lola
HasFit- FREE workouts!
Workout Motivation