How They Stay In Incredible Shape
Spending time reading through the comments on some of my videos, blogs and emails brought about an interesting question from one viewer this week.
As I had given her some tips when it comes to working on losing weight and shaping up for the 40+ woman.
At the top of my recommendations is to lift weights and eat more protein.
Her reply was something along the lines of
‘But I want to lose belly fat, I don’t understand how strength training will help me to do that?’
There is a massive misconception, the belief is that cardio is the only avenue to fat loss. Whilst it plays a role in overall cardiovascular fitness and certainly can have a place in your training programme if you want it to.
It’s not where midlife women should be placing their attention when it comes to fat loss.
Strength training is not only important but can be the missing link to getting your body into the best shape of your life, no matter what age you are.
The inevitable process of ageing brings about a gradual decline in muscle mass, with a reduction of approximately 3-8% per decade after reaching the age of 30.
Yet, the silver lining in what is a completely natural process, is that we have the power to counteract it by staying active and adapting our workouts.
By delving into the realm of weight training or resistance exercises, we not only have the potential to stave off this muscle loss but also to boost and uphold our lean muscle mass.
Strength training along with good nutrition that also has adequate protein intake is a secret weapon for midlife women.
Basically, resistance/strength training is the number one tool I believe all midlife women should be utilising.
Not only does it serve as a saviour against muscle deterioration, but it also possesses the ability to sculpt and enhance our physique. The more substantial our lean muscle mass becomes, the more demanding our metabolic rate grows. Supporting a faster metabolism via having more muscle is the ultimate tool in lifelong weight maintenance. Basically allowing you to get away with eating more food, which is always a bonus in my eyes.
This balance between lean muscle and metabolism supports body composition that’s not only attainable but sustainable in the long run, and let’s not also mention it will help you to look and feel younger!
This journey into strength training isn’t merely about preserving muscle mass; it’s a multi-faceted journey with countless rewards. Enhanced bone density, improved posture, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced risk of injury, better balance and enhanced ability to keep the middle-aged spread from spreading further.
The endorphin-fueled hype of a satisfying workout session spills over into improved daily energy levels and an uplifted mood.
I really believe that strength training is the component that will allow you to feel as though you are turning back the clocks when it comes to how your body feels. I know when I’m at my strongest I feel younger, I move better, being able to adapt to life’s needs better and I feel as though I can damn well achieve anything life throws at me.
Each rep, each set, each increase in weight is the reminder of just how capable you and your amazing body are.
And just in case you don’t want to take just my word for it, then check out these celebrities who are all over the age of 40 who swear by resistance training.
Whilst I am all for advocating strength training, please also keep in mind that these celebrities have unlimited time and money to help them look the way that they do. But they all claim that resistance training is the thing that helps them to remain in amazing shape.
- Eva Longoria – 48 She now more focused on weight training than cardio.
2. Victoria Beckham – 49 shared in her Instagram stories that she is in her strength training era
3. Jennifer Lopez – 54 Let’s Get At It #lift
4. Jennifer Anniston – 54 Now utilising strength training workouts that she says are her best yet
5. Gabbi Logan – 50 “Us midlifers need to lift a bit of weight, even if it’s our own’
6. Carol Vorderman – 62 Carol says a workout is as good for your head as it is for your body. I think Carol continues to look amazing
7. Pink – 43 I identify with my core, my intuition, and my strength
Are you convinced yet that strength training will be a key component in your mid life body transformation? If you are, but aren’t sure where to get started join my FREE 5 day kickstart challenge and get access to free home strength training workouts and the health habits you need to practice alongside your training for maximum results.
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