Drop And Give Me 30 – Day 30 – What I Learned
Posted on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Getting fit after 50 has a lot to do with attitude…
and very little to do with ability.
If you’ve been following my fit after 50 series, you’ll notice I’ve had some “fits and starts.”
Women over 50 have a special relationship with exercise.
Even though I’ve been able to develop a great exercise program around Scott’s FatLossQuickie fitness program, I found that doing one form of exercise every day wasn’t going to work for me.
Even though I am dedicated to some sort of fitness program for the rest of my life, I have begun to see routine exercise, any routine exercise, as a choice of something fun to do every day.
I’m inspired by my sister and brother-in-law who, as they sit and have their coffee in the morning, inquire of each other “what are you doing for exercise today?”
That is what I have learned during these last 30 days – exercise is nothing if not something to enjoy every single day.
I enjoy doing Scott’s FatLossQuickie fitness program. I love that I went from doing 3 leg extensions on the floor ball when I started to doing 30 leg extensions. I was ready to give up on those when I started!
I love that I went from using 2 pound weights to using 8 pound weights for most of my weight bearing exercises.
Scott’s FatLossQuickie fitness program was the routine, strategic exercise program I needed to build strength and flexibility at a measurable rate.
But, I also loved that I took time to walk the beach and ride my bike. My exercise program can’t be limited to increasing weight and building reps. My exercise program has to include things that take me outside of my body.
So, what did I learn about fitness after 50 during the last month?
- Do some exercise every day. No matter what it is, do some form of exercise every single day.
- Do something for fun every day. Even if you enjoy lifting weights, change the scenery. Go outside, walk, ride a bike, go to the beach, go to a playground, dance… whatever you do that will make you smile, do that thing!
- Don’t weigh yourself. Scales are fickle. A pound here and a pound there really doesn’t matter much. Lose a few and rejoice; gain a few and cry. Do you really want to have your emotions ruled by a pound or two? I know I’ve lived way too long to be pulled this way and that by some stupid scale.
- Don’t listen to studies. Especially those studies that say women over 50 can’t lose weight without uber-exercise. That’s just foolish. I know too many women my age who have lost weight with regular exercise at a rate that fits into their lives.
- Do eat a healthy diet. I really really really had to give up some things I love in order to lose weight. Massive amounts of pasta three or four times a week just won’t work. Lots of vegetables, lean protein, and no sugar… that’s the plan. Yes, I confess, wine is my favorite vice. Why do you think I exercise so much?
- Do take a break. Okay, when I go on vacation, I indulge – a lot. I am, after all, on vacation. I slack off both exercise-wise and diet-wise. This is to be expected and may even be a kick to the metabolism. Who knows. Anyway, enjoy. When you’re over 50 you look at these things differently, I guess.
- Do surround yourself with positive people. When you’re trying to improve your overall health, the greatest gift you can give yourself is positive people; people who are truly interested in doing things that improve your joy of life. Hang out with friends and family that make you laugh.
There is so much more to fitness than exercise. When you’re over 50, this truth becomes so dang clear! Exercise alone will not give you total health and fitness, but your overall health and fitness will depend on your commitment to maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle.
If that sounds like a lot of double talk, it is. Hey, who said it was easy getting old?! Exercise, eat right, have fun, stay fit, be positive, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you want to do! I’m looking forward to many more years of doing whatever I dang well please! How ’bout you?
I hope you’ll stop by Remarkable Wrinklies often. And, do try to fit exercise, and fun, into your daily routine.
Scott’s exercise program is perfect for anyone who wants to fit a quick weight and cardio workout into their day right at home – just 10 minutes twice a day.
Then you can take a walk, ride your bike, and enjoy the outdoors knowing you’ve already gotten some of your exercise in for the day!
Scott’s FatLossQuickie program
is perfect for speeding up that sluggish metabolism that happens to every one of us after we celebrate our 50th birthday.
You’ll build muscle to burn fat and build stronger bones with weight bearing exercises. And, these 10 minute bursts of exercise during the day increases oxygen to the brain and gets your day moving in the right direction.
Don’t wait until you can get to the gym or until the snow melts to start your exercise program… Click on and begin today!
p.s. Scott’s got 3 great secrets that he’s sharing with you if you click on and view his short video. Please take a little time today to check out Scott and Angie’s Fat Loss Quickie program.
p.p.s. After you watch Scott’s video, be sure to take advantage of Scott and Angie’s TWO FREE EXERCISES that will kick your butt!
Then, if you didn’t get a chance to check out the alternative exercises for your legs if you have “bad knees” please click here to read and watch the video. You’ll get 8 Free Exercises in the video that will firm your behind, legs, and back, WITHOUT hurting your knees.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch the video Scott did for Yours Truly about fitness after 50, and way, way, way beyond, you have another opportunity. Just click play and enjoy.
This is such a great list! I’m so proud of you!!!!
Hi Lain!
Ahhh… blush. I really am trying to live by that list. Some days are better than others, but every day is a great opportunity to do something… anything! Anyway, I appreciate your kind words, Lain. Thank you.
I agree with Lain–your list is terrific! I also think you’ve covered the main ways to keep yourself motivated and that is to make things doable and enjoyable. If it gets too hard, this fifty-plus gal will be heading for fridge and the sofa. Not a great combination!
Thank you, Eileen!
Yeah, I tell ya, I have a lot better success when I’m doing something that makes me happy, like riding my bike. If I had to walk on a treadmill in a gym to stay fit, I think I’d be waist deep digging in my fridge for anything and everything just to avoid working out. And, yup… fridge + sofa… not a pretty sight.
😉