How to Do It: Three Tips for Fitting in Fitness @ 40

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Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by The Smetz Files

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Weights and bands for working out

Recently I posted about my commitment to prioritizing my fitness in my 40s. 

As many of you busy moms realize, this is no small undertaking. Truthfully, my issue has always been consistency. I know the benefits of working out. I have [had] all the excuses for why I couldn’t squeeze it into our already packed schedule. 

But here are a few tips that have helped me maintain consistency and work towards my fitness goals – yes, as a busy mom to two active kiddos in her 40s!

Yoga: Three Reasons to Practice

Here are three ways how I am fitting in my fitness goals at 40:

• Accountability
• Scheduling
• Celebrating

Accountability

For my birthday I partnered with fellow sports mom and Smetz Files reader and coach [Jen Williams Fitness], and joined BODi by BeachBody. My membership gave me online access to thousands of workouts that I can tailor around my daily schedule. There are nutrition and mindfulness sessions that help me round out a commitment to my fitness and health. 

Admittedly, I don’t do all the things every day. However, because I track my progress in the app (total workouts, water consumption, nutrition, etc…) I feel accountable to getting in a workout when I might otherwise have skipped a day. The bootcamps Jen hosts are an added layer of accountability because I can post my workouts to the group, get encouragement and support, and cheer on others who are working towards their fitness goals. 

I’ve never liked going to the gym because it feels intimidating to me.

Yes, I walk Bronx, but when the weather is cold or dreary, well, it’s easy to skimp on that. Because I have digital access to the BODi workouts, I can do them at home when it’s convenient and I can do them at the beach or when we’re traveling. This makes maintaining consistency (my struggle) more attainable.

Scheduling

Scheduling might be one of the hardest parts of making progress towards my fitness goals. The mental gymnastics that goes into scheduling everyone’s whereabouts is tiresome. Perhaps you feel the same way. 

I’ve found that squeezing in an extra 10-15 minutes helps me stay motivated and engaged in my fitness goals. One way I’ve tried to stay consistent with my fitness is getting in steps (or workouts) while they are at practice.

Now that we’ve moved indoors for basketball season, I walk the track during their practices. Even during baseball season, depending on the park, I’ll walk the perimeter of the fence and get some steps in while their team works out.

Sleep When the Baby Sleeps

You know the time honored advice to new moms, sleep when the baby sleeps? Well, this can apply to working out. When the kids are working out, I work out with them. Right now they’re doing strength and conditioning work. When G runs after school, I trail behind him (I am NOT a runner, but I get in the extra steps as I follow him!). When S does push ups, sit ups, and planks, I join in for some extra reps. When they’re playing catch or shooting hoops, I get in on the fun. They usually make fun of me, but that’s okay! I’m enjoying time outside with them, doing what they love, and getting a bit extra active time for me. 

Mother/Daughter work out

Celebrating

Celebrating the small wins is important. I mentioned consistency is my issue. Recently I earned my 50 workouts badge in the BODi app and I am so proud of myself for being persistent and diligently working towards my fitness goals. 

I also get encouragement from Jay and the kids. Their comments about being proud of me for working hard and staying fit have been motivating. They’ve noticed my commitment and that’s important.

I read once that action begets action. Meaning once I started working out consistently I found more ways to incorporate movement and activity into my daily schedule. I take rest days as needed, but I find I’m more energized. I am motivated to work out and be active and I just overall feel better. 

So, if fitness is part of your intentions for 2024, I encourage you! Connect with me and let’s encourage each other!

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