In my younger years, particularly during my teens and twenties, my motivation for exercising was largely aesthetic. I was primarily focused on fitting into my favorite clothes. Though I identified as a runner, my pace was more of a steady plod than a sprint. I didn’t truly enjoy running, but it was a straightforward way to stay active.
As I entered my thirties and welcomed three children into my life, my relationship with exercise shifted. I would work out between pregnancies, occasionally participating in races to validate my fitness level. However, the truth was I was often caught in a cycle of feeling fit just before becoming pregnant again. My closet morphed into a collection of pants in various sizes—from snug favorites to stretchy postpartum options—ensuring I always had something that fit.
What surprised me most during those years was that, despite my earlier ambivalence, I began to look forward to my runs. The exhausting demands of motherhood, the constant closeness with my children, and the unyielding nature of caregiving made running an essential escape. After a 30-minute jog, I’d return rejuvenated, enough for my husband to recognize when I needed a break—he would often encourage me, “Just go for a run!”
Now that I’m 40, I’ve almost completely stopped running. What changed? For one, my children are older—now school-aged—so I no longer feel that pressing need to flee. My knees and joints have become a bit creakier, leading me to consider the long-term effects of the countless miles I’ve logged over the years. There’s also the unexpected factor of working out alongside older adults.
In my thirties, I joined a gym primarily for the childcare options while I exercised. During the long winters in Cleveland, I found myself sharing an indoor track with retirees. At first, I felt a sense of speed when passing the power walkers, but that illusion quickly faded. After two C-sections, I discovered I struggled with basic movements like sit-ups. Running may have helped with post-pregnancy weight, but it wasn’t addressing the core issues my body faced.
That’s when I shifted my focus to Pilates, which emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and balance. The classes were predominantly filled with older individuals, but unlike on the track, I found myself outperformed. While I barely managed the warm-up, the 70- and 80-year-olds around me were displaying incredible strength and flexibility. Their vigor was nothing short of inspiring.
It dawned on me: I was aging. I could either stubbornly cling to my past routines and witness my body slow down, or I could take a page from these active seniors—people I aspired to emulate in my own later years.
I can’t reverse time to relive my twenties and thirties; the only direction is forward. I don’t want to be a 65-year-old struggling with stairs or a 75-year-old unable to play with grandkids. Avoiding a future where I might be an 85-year-old with poor balance is paramount to me.
For now, my goal is to remain fit at 40. I have no plans to run another marathon or even any races at all. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about adapting and allowing my fitness journey to evolve. My joints may protest against running, but they welcome Pilates, cycling, walking, and have even experimented with skiing and surfing. Who knows what other adventures lie ahead? I’m eager to explore them. Movement is essential, and as long as I’m moving forward, I’m happy.
For those interested in starting their own journey, you can explore more about home insemination options and family planning through resources like Make a Mom’s Inseminator and Couples’ Fertility Journey. Additionally, for comprehensive information on procedures, Mayo Clinic is an excellent resource.
Summary
At 40, fitness has transformed from a youthful chase for aesthetics to a thoughtful approach focused on longevity and enjoyment. With a shift from running to Pilates and other activities, the goal is to maintain an active lifestyle that promotes wellness as I age.
Keyphrase: Rediscovering Fitness at 40
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