I started my health & fitness in 2015 at the ripe age of 49. The most common excuse at this age for inactivity & weight gain is

• Age
• Menopause

Speaking from my personal experience, these are definitely factors, but the hard truth is they are also excuses.

In November 2015, when I announced that “tomorrow come hell or high water, I’m going to Weight Watchers”, I meant it. Little did I know that when tomorrow came I faced my first obstacle. My grandson – my WHY – woke up sick and since he couldn’t go to daycare while his Mom went to school & work, I was faced with a decision.

• Use this as an excuse to procrastinate ~ OR ~
• Use this as an opportunity to keep the commitment I made to myself

Thanks to my newfound growth mindset, I chose wisely. Off we went and walked through the doors together – me and my WHY.

According to National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) research, here are some benefits from that one decision that continue to have a ripple effect:

Fitness helps you live a productive life: Regardless of my choice of exercise – walking, strength training, stretching, the stimulation from exercise can immediately produce hormones such as epinephrine which increases energy! No complaints here.

You will feel good and look good: Who doesn’t want to look and feel better? Improved sleep, body image and self-esteem are key elements. When I started consistently exercising, I lost body fat, developed leaner muscle tone which resulted in my clothes fitting better, and standing a little taller with confidence. With increased strength daily tasks are easier.

Increase your health span and Quality of Life: Heart health!!! A stronger heart equals a lower pulse which means my heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through my body. As I get older, I pay attention to these numbers more than I used to. I don’t want to be taking medications if I can avoid it.

Backed by research and according to NASM, most heart conditions that people have are from poor lifestyle choices. It’s the same with cancer. The same is true for type 2 diabetes and type 2 osteoporosis. I know it’s hard to get on track once these diseases are presented but I’m a firm believer of taking control of your health. Do your best to reverse what you can but treatment before a condition develops is the goal! Seek guidance from a professional.

Increased Accountability: I spent many years doing whatever I felt like doing and just going through the motions. I even worked out with the best personal trainer in town, yet I was self sabotaging with my poor lifestyle choices of processed foods and alcohol. My decision to take control of my health has opened many doors, being a Certified Personal Trainer, being one of many. I turned my life around and I want to help others do the same. Being a positive influence gives me purpose and that motivates me!

It’s Fun AND Rewarding! Not everyone likes going to a health club and lifting weights. But you can always find something you like to do to get active. Maybe it’s walking, dancing, swimming, or paddle boarding. My workouts have changed over the years by learning new things and changing what I want to accomplish.

What started out with walking along with cardio/strength classes has evolved over the years. I’ve been consistent enough over the years to reap the benefits. Whatever brings you JOY is a great exercise for you! It’s a sense of wellbeing that is most important.

Are you going to wish for it or work for it? The decision is yours.

Dynamically yours,

Lisa