I will not lie to you…it has taken me a decade to come to grips with the fact that being over 40 requires an adjustment to my rituals, routines and habits. I wish I could make a case for no exercise and just tell you that as long as you watch your diet, you’ll be fine. But that is simply not true. In actuality, I have paid attention to natural, organic food choices since my late 20’s. But eventually, I learned that all those salads and baked chicken breasts and tofu and blueberries were unable to stop my muscle mass from deteriorating, nor would they speed up my metabolism. Because as important as a good diet and nutrition are – and as important as it is to monitor your caloric intake – it is actually more important to initiate an exercise program as your first efforts towards physical health. (**Please consult with your physician before initiating a moderate to intense exercise program.).
Metabolism is typically associated with a person’s muscle mass – which declines with age. Our resting metabolic rate decreases about 2 – 5% every decade past 30 – which amounts to about 50-100 fewer calories burned per day and can also explain a decline in energy levels. Starting at age 40, women lose 6 – 8% of their muscle mass per decade!
This is the time to focus on activities that help maintain and build muscle mass such as a combination of resistance training and cardio activity. Here’s the good news: after just two months of strength training, three times per week for 40 minutes per session, women can recover a decade of muscle loss! An added perk to regular strength training is that it can also decrease age-related bone loss (osteopenia/osteoporosis) – common to women after menopause.
It’s time to stop putting off this very important, primary aspect of your health. God created your body to operate fully and effectively, with energy, vitality, and strength. You have a very important calling on your life – a purpose and a plan…a destiny. What He has for you to accomplish in this season of your life depends on you being healthy, strong and able to fulfill His “assignment.” I remember having that realization one day when I was speaking at a women’s group. I remember the Holy Spirit being so profoundly present in that meeting. I was ministering prophetically while many women came forward for prayer. In the middle of ministry, I became short winded and felt as though I needed to sit down and catch my breath. Afterwards, I remember thinking that I needed to get in better shape – because my calling depended on it. Your calling will be the center of your contentment in life – and God has equipped you with everything you need to carry that calling out for His glory. So, in order to be good stewards of this body He has graced us with, exercise is crucial.
Here are a few tips that I’ve learned that might help you get moving and grooving. Remember that what works for one person, may not work for another. For example, I cannot jog because it is too stressful on my ankles, and I learned that the hard way. But I can walk, which I do – on the treadmill. I also spend time on the elliptical machine and the stationary bicycle.
- Try exercising to music. My workout became far less grueling when I included music – and seemed to go much faster. If family or friends ask you for gift ideas – mention an iPod – or something similar to use during your exercise routines. It will be a purchase well worth it.
- Find a support person that you can talk with about your exercise program. A health coach, a friend, a family member. This is a great way to brainstorm an exercise plan that is realistic.
- Write your routine down. Plan to start slow and increase your times, weight levels, repetitions as you go along. When I first exercised on the elliptical, I started slow at 10 minutes on Level 1. Over weeks and months, I increased the pace, the time, and the levels. I now spend 30 minutes on the elliptical at Level 4 with a fast pace. There is great satisfaction at seeing these improvements and you will be greatly energized as you continue watching your strength improve! Same with weight training. Start slow to give your muscles time to adjust and then gradually increase repetitions. It is best to increase repetitions, not necessarily the weight. Also, if you are using weight machines, make sure you have a trainer or knowledgeable person show you proper technique. Improper technique can occasionally cause injury.
- Be consistent but not legalistic. To initiate an exercise plan that becomes a lifestyle change, you must find a place of consistency, making it a priority. Don’t set yourself up for a routine that you cannot keep consistent. For example, I don’t go to the gym every day. I go every other day. This is realistic for me when I’m in town. However, when I’m traveling, I don’t do gym work – I simply walk wherever I can and then slip back into my routine when I get home. Also, there are days when it is impossible for me to get to the gym, even though it’s my scheduled day to do so. There is room for grace that day – and I just pick up the routine the next day. The key is creating a routine that is realistic for you – but effective. You should aim for 3-4 exercise sessions per week.
- Stay hydrated while working out. I always take a jug of water to the gym with me. And I sip it throughout my 2-hour workout. I learned the hard way that guzzling water after 30 minutes on the elliptical will lead to nausea. I now sip water every 2-4 minutes. This will keep you hydrated and also increase your energy and stamina.
- Don’t eat a big meal before working out. And don’t eat a big meal after working out. I usually eat a protein snack before going to the gym. Generally, that is a handful of nuts and some yogurt or string cheese.
- Remember that your spirit, soul and body are all connected. Exercise is a wonderful stress reducer. But exercise should not be stressful! I remember asking my doctor whether running through airports to catch flights could be considered an exercise routine. She laughed and said, “Umm…no. The stress of that negates any benefits.” Find forms of exercise that are not associated with stress. For one? Don’t take work to the gym! Make it a time of unwinding.
In the next post, I will share my specific exercise routine. In the meantime, if you have exercise questions send me an email. Also, share any comments or suggestions you might have in the comment section of this post.
Be Healthy, Be Blessed!
Cheryl
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