Working Out in Your 40s

It’s not too hard to get up for that 5:30 am class because it’s around the time your bladder starts insisting you get up anyway.

Wearing the right underwear is super important. You no longer care as much about panty lines as you do about underwear that will stay in place and be comfortable.

Workout gear that “breathes” is key. Even if it means paying a little more for it or owning multiples of the same pair of pants.

Taking no water or a small water bottle is not an option. You need to hydrate. A lot.

The music will be too loud when you get to class.

You will be awfully protective of “your” spot in class or “your” elliptical/treadmill/etc.

Your preferred spot is likely near the fan.

If the fan isn’t on, you’ll probably be the first to ask that it be turned on. Or you’ll just turn it on yourself. No one will argue with you about this, though you may get a few frowns from the younger members of the class.

You will know all the modifications for the various workouts. Some you’ll need to do and some you won’t, but you’re well aware of when you need to modify. And you’ll know that doing the modification is a lot better than doing nothing at all.

You’ll snort whenever there’s “jumping” lunges or anything of the sort. You’ll step back into a lunge, thankyouverymuch because your knees cannot take that kind of stress.

Your exercise mat is one of those thick, good quality mats because you need that extra cushion for your wrists and knees. You’ll shake your head at the 20-something who didn’t even bring a mat and does her floorwork on the hard gym floor. Girl, you’ll understand one day, you think.

You’ll sweat. Not glow. Sweat. And maybe in places you didn’t know could sweat.

You will push yourself but you’ll also have zero problems taking a pause when you need to.

You’ll look in the mirror and want to kick yourself for not appreciating your younger body more than you did.

You’ll also start to see changes in your body though you’ll still stay squishier than you want to be.

Making it through an hour-long class without the need for a bathroom break (especially if you try some of that jumping in spite of your knees) won’t happen every day.

But you will make it through the class.

You know your body isn’t what it once was and that you might not (or okay, most definitely not) be able to do all you once could, but you can still do a lot.

You’ll value progress, even if it’s small because at least it’s progress.

And then you’ll really appreciate your hot shower after your workout.

And develop a new fondness for muscle-soothing ointments.