My Pivot to Midlife Fitness for Women

“You better get on it, because you’re getting up there in age and who wants to workout with an old lady?” - my son, many years ago. Teens! (He’s 28 now and thankfully light years more mature!)

So, after 8 years of talking and dreaming about it, I opened my fitness studio.  At age 51. 

That’s pretty unusual. But my driving motivator (besides sharing my passion for all things health and fitness), was this … I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “I always wanted to open a fitness studio, but I never did.” No regrets, right?

As hold true of most boutique fitness studios, 99% of our members were women. The average age was 45, with one-third of our ladies over 60. 

So it seemed natural to hyper-focus my niche to serve midlife women (35-65+). I’m 56 and post-menopausal, so I’m in this with you!

We spend over 40% of our lives in menopause. Ironically, only 39% of exercise research features women. Even less, women in menopause and beyond. 

What does that mean?  Well, your exercise program (if you're following one) probably was not designed for you.  And it may not be optimal for you, at this stage of life. 

I’ve been hearing from SO many women:  “I’m gaining weight in my belly. I’m doing the same workouts and eating the same food and I’m not getting the results I used to get. Why? Help me!”

Without knowing, they’ve actually stated the answer in the question: You’ve changed. Your hormones have changed. Your metabolism has changed. Your body composition has changed. That requires different exercise (and nutrition). 

The Goldilocks sweet spot should look something like this:                                                              

Strength Training -  2x a week with “heavy for you” weights, so you reach muscular fatigue every set.

Interval Training - 2x a week of shorter (20-30 min) HIIT sessions.                                  

Mobility, Balance & Flexibility - to keep joints and muscles supple and moving through full joint range of motion (yoga, Pilates, mobility, stretch workouts).                                                                                                                                                                     

Daily Movement (low-moderate) - walking, swimming, golf, gardening, biking?                                                                                                                                                                          AND ... taking at least 1-2 rest days every week? 

I am currently creating a new program designed exclusively for midlife women. If you want to be in the loop, join my mailing list (if you already haven't) and be sure to add me to your contacts. Also, follow me on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/ritajenkinsfitness