During my teenage and early adult years, my motivation for exercising was primarily aesthetic. I aimed to fit into certain clothes rather than focusing on health. I took up running, but my pace was moderate at best—not particularly fast. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the activity, running seemed like the most efficient way to stay in shape.
As I entered my 30s, the dynamics shifted when I welcomed three children into my life. My exercise routine revolved around getting back into shape after each pregnancy, often participating in races to prove that I was still fit. However, my fitness levels fluctuated, as just when I felt I was regaining my pre-baby body, I would find myself expecting again. My exercise routine shifted from merely fitting into clothes to accommodating a variety of pants sizes—everything from tighter jeans to soft postpartum wear.
The turning point came after many years of ambivalence towards working out: I began to genuinely enjoy running. The demands of motherhood were physically exhausting and often overwhelming. Running became my escape—a necessary break where I could gather my thoughts and focus on self-care. After just a half-hour run, I would return home feeling revitalized. My husband started to notice this change, often encouraging me to take a run whenever he saw my stress levels rise.
Now at 40, running has taken a back seat. What changed? My children are older and in school, reducing my need for an escape. Additionally, my knees and joints have become more sensitive, prompting concerns about the long-term effects of the miles I’ve logged over the years. Interestingly, I found myself exercising alongside an older demographic.
In my 30s, I joined a gym that offered child care, which allowed me to work out indoors during Cleveland’s long winters. To my surprise, I often found myself in the company of retirees on the indoor track. Initially, I felt fast as I passed them, but soon realized that my physical capabilities were not what I thought. After two C-sections, I was embarrassed to discover that I struggled with basic sit-ups. Running, while beneficial for managing pregnancy weight gain, hadn’t addressed the core weaknesses that resulted from my surgeries.
This realization led me to Pilates, a form of exercise emphasizing core strength, flexibility, and balance. The class was predominantly attended by older individuals, and unlike on the track, I found myself outpaced by these seniors. While I was fatigued from a simple warm-up, they appeared strong and capable. This was incredibly motivating.
It dawned on me that aging is inevitable. I could either continue to struggle with the aging process by attempting to replicate my younger self’s activities or adopt the habits of those active older adults I admired. I don’t have the luxury of returning to my 20s and 30s—my focus now is on maintaining my fitness as I age. I aspire to avoid the pitfalls of aging, such as difficulty with stairs or the inability to play with grandchildren.
Currently, I aim to be a healthy and active 40-year-old. I’ve accepted that I may never run another marathon, nor do I feel compelled to. This isn’t giving up; it’s about adapting my fitness routine to align with my current abilities. My joints no longer favor running, but they do appreciate Pilates, cycling, walking, and even trying new activities like skiing and surfing. I’m eager to see what else I can explore. Movement is essential for me, and as long as I’m progressing, I’m content.
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Summary
At 40, my fitness journey has evolved from a focus on aesthetics to embracing a variety of exercises that cater to my body’s current needs. With age comes the opportunity to adapt and explore new forms of movement, ensuring a healthier future.
Keyphrase: Relearning to Exercise at 40
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