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Bust Through These Five Fitness Myths to Get Fit Over 40

1. To get fit over 40 I have to spend an hour at the gym or it doesn’t count.

This fitness myth holds you back in two significant ways. First, workouts less than an hour can be extremely effective.  So even if you don’t have a big block of time in your day to exercise, you can still move more to get fit.

Even if you’re the busiest person you know, there are ways to sneak meaningful movement into your day. Grab my cheat sheet (below) for some of my favorite ideas for busy women to get fit over 40!

The second way the “you have to go to the gym or it doesn’t count” myth holds you back is that you don’t need to go to a gym to exercise! There are loads of options for bodyweight workouts you can do at-home. There are also wonderful at home exercise programs that give you ongoing structure and guidance.

And don’t ever discount the health benefits of hiking, walking for exercise, or just dancing in your kitchen while you wait for dinner to come out of the oven!

When considering fitness myths women over 40 clutch on to, get rid of this one! All movement matters!

2. I should still weigh the same as when I was 25.

Oh, please! Are you the same person now that you were then?

If you’ve been busting your bum on the treadmill or elliptical, certain that working out just a little bit harder will get you there, you’re wasting your time. (And if you’re in perimenopause, you may be feeding the hormonal imbalances that create the belly fat you don’t like.)

The reality is: your body is different now. This is particularly true if you’ve been pregnant. It’s definitely true if you’re in perimenopause or beyond! And that’s okay.

Growth and change are are natural part of life. This applies to your intellectual life, your personal life, and your physical life.

Accepting your body for what it is and focusing on the good it does for you is a powerful mindset shift. Improving your mental wellness is more important to your overall health than your jeans size.

Also, just because your body has changed size and shape doesn’t make you any less worthy of improving your fitness and health now. You can always make your body healthier, even if it doesn’t affect your weight. Work with the body you have, not the one you want.

You’ll be surprised when you choose the right exercise for you, you’ll have more energy and a positive outlook. And you’ll be more likely to see the results you want in the mirror, too.

3. I don’t have time to exercise.

You’re busy. I get it!

But if you don’t have time to exercise, what makes you think you have time to be sick or injured?

And I really do think you have time to exercise! Because we know that shorter, more intense workouts are ideal for women in perimenopause, you don’t need tons of time to get in a good workout.

Maybe it’s as simple as changing some daily habits.

Can you take the stairs at work? Could you suggest that your colleagues have walking meetings rather than sitting in a conference room? Try setting an alarm for every hour on the hour to remind you to get up and walk for three minutes. (This is a great opportunity to get a drink of water while you’re at it!)

In fact, fitness science supports your busy lifestyle! Research proves that shorter workouts are just as- if not more- effective than long workouts. Making exercise fit into a busy schedule isn’t always easy– but it’s always worth it!

Need extra support to bust this myth and get fit over 40? Grab my Top Ten Tips for Fitting in Fitness for efficient, effective ideas.

4. I have to sweat a lot for it to be worthwhile.

5. I can’t fight Mother Nature (AKA I’m too old! It’s impossible to get fit over 40!)

There is no age limit to fitness!

It’s true that the hormonal changes of perimenopause can make it more difficult to see that your workouts are paying off. But the internal physiological benefits of exercise are important for your longevity and continued health.

One of the unsung benefits of being fit over 40 is that you’re likely to meet a new group of health-minded friends. Being with people of all ages who value their health and make time for exercise is motivating to keep up your own workouts.

Perhaps even more motivating, research demonstrates that exercise in midlife can help ward off brain deterioration as you age.

If you educate yourself about how to exercise for your 40-something (or older) body, and commit to doing what is right for you, you’ll love the results! Healthy ageing is about keeping your body, mind, and spirit well.

There is no reason you can’t improve your fitness, health, and wellness in midlife and beyond!

Need support to move beyond these myths and get fit over 40?

Try my FREE 5-Day Fit in Fitness Challenge!

Karen Shopoff Rooff is a certified health coach. The Well Balanced Women blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please discuss your health issues with a licensed medical practitioner.