Motivation To Exercise – Hindsight Is 20/20
Posted on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
We know that fitness for women over 50 starts with a routine exercise program. But I say women who are fit over 50 may have their good sense to thank, as well.
When my friend Angie Newton of LosingItAndLovingIt.com asked me to write a guest post for her, I happily agreed! But, then I had to think. What was I going to share with her readers? I’m not promoting a particular fitness program, exercise equipment, or diet book. What to write… what to write…
That afternoon I hopped on my bike and took my regular ride. It was a tad windy, but the sun was out and it felt good to push and strain against the elements. My legs felt strong and my heart and lungs were feeling great. (Yes, that is a picture of me with my bike on Pensacola Beach. And yes, that’s sand not snow!)
Then it occurred to me – I am so grateful to my ‘younger self’ who knew enough to exercise! For all these many decades, I have either lifted weights, walked, run, bicycled, or done some form of exercise. And I thought to myself; “I am active now because I was active then.”
THAT’S what I have to share! And THAT’S what I wrote about for Angie’s readers. Be sure to read my guest post by clicking on this link. And be sure to comment on Angie’s blog and come back here when you have finished and let me know what you think.
I know when you are young, the last thing you think is; “Gee. I’d better exercise now so when I get to be 50 I can ride a bike.” No, that’s not going to motivate anyone. BUT… I am here to tell you that when you reach your 50s (and beyond) and you can ride a bike with strength and confidence, you will be thanking your ‘younger self’ just like me.
Remember to check out my guest post on LosingItAndLovingIt.com. And while you’re there, scroll around and check out all the informative posts by Angie, who is indeed “losing it and loving it!”
Thanks again, Angie, for allowing me to share my thoughts with your readers. It was great fun!
p.s. Don’t forget to comment below after you’ve read my guest post. We’re often critical of our ‘younger self’ for mistakes made. This is an opportunity to say “Thank You” to your ‘younger self.’ Please share your thoughts with me. I love the company here!
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I like the concept of thanking our younger self. Such a nice positive thought for all your efforts to take care of your health. May you reap many years of benefits.
Thank you, Gretchen! And many years of good health and happiness to you as well.
I go to a workout class with women of all different ages and as one of the “babies” in the class, the Boomers remind me ALL the time that it’s good that I’m working out now, and they wish they had done the same. They inspire me to come to class more often!
Yup, Amanda, that’s what we ol’ ladies do. We are constantly trying to inspire all you youngsters to keep up the good work! It really DOES pay off. Of course, the other benefit to exercising routinely is you get to enjoy all those tasty treats from Wisconsin without packing on the pounds! Beer, brats, cheese, and cranberry wine. YUM! Better get out and take my bike ride. Thanks for stopping by, Amanda, and especially thanks for commenting. The blogosphere can get so lonely… 😀
Patti, thanks for helping me feel better about the many years and different forms of exercise I’ve done all those 50+ years (biking, unicycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, hiking, jogging).
Even though I’ve had some pretty big lapses in exercise, my body still remembers how to be strong, flexible and fit.
Thanks for the reminder – and I hope to see you at NAMS this Feb!
Hi Natalie,
“my body still remembers how to be strong, flexible, and fit.”
Wow! You nailed it, Natalie! I LOVE that! It’s EXACTLY what I wanted to say. And, isn’t it great that our body remembers that, even after all those lapses we ALL have?! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me here. It’s great to hear that I’m on the right track. I THOUGHT exercise was like putting money in the bank, but it’s great to hear someone else feels the same way.
Thanks again, Natalie. And, unfortunately, I won’t be at NAMS this Feb. 🙁 But, the good news is the reason… my Hubby surprised me with a trip to Hawaii! So, it’s hard to be too disappointed. 🙂
Hi Patti, You are so right! My younger self exercised and worked out and lifted weights and did Jane Fonda tapes endlessly. Now that I’m 54, I don’t do any of that to the degree that I did then. But I’m still able to when I want to. Some people just say I’m “lucky” that I have not gotten fat and that I have no stretch marks, etc. I don’t call it luck – I call it being in shape from years of working at it. I’ve slowed down only because I just got a little tired of it and have new hobbies (Duh, I’m writing this on the computer!). But I still do everything just to a lesser degree and so far I’m still “lucky”!
Nina
http://over50andhappy.com
Hi Nina
I agree. It’s sort of like building a good foundation for the rest of your life. I also agree with you about being lucky. We can thank our genes for certain things (and curse them for others!) but without maintenance, it can all go bad fast! My Gram and Mom were both very healthy, strong women. They were also very active women. Coincidence? I think not. One leads to the other, especially as time goes by. Granted, things happen sometimes that we have very little control over (illnesses, etc.) but for the most part, like Gram and Mom said; “If you eat right and stay active you’ll feel better and be healthier. So, quit your belly-achin’ and get outside and play!” (Oops… that might have been a little Dad mixed in there, too!)
Thanks again, Nina, for stopping by and commenting. I sure love the company!