Over 40 and Fit
(A Short Memoir)

My Twenties and Thirties

When I say that I'm over 40, what I really mean is that, chronologically, I'm well-l-l-l past 40! In fact, I am already well into my fifties! I have four grown children and five grandchildren. I hang out with people who are in their forties, fifties, and sixties. And, yet, I am NOT old! "Old" is when you choose not to be active…when you choose not to take care of your mind, body, and spirit…when you choose to let go of your youth.

During my twenties and thirties, I usually didn't worry too much about what I ate. I was fortunate to have a really great metabolism. I DID exercise regularly…even back then. So, I'm sure that those little facts helped me to maintain a slender waistline, in spite of my less than ideal eating habits. (I was, after all, younger and less disciplined. As I approached my forties, I became more focused on eating a healthy, balanced diet.)

At one point, a few months after I gave birth to my youngest child, I became totally obsessed with exercise! During my pregnancy, I had gained a whopping 50 pounds…way more than I had gained during any of my other pregnancies! And, because I had gained so much weight, I was stuck with way too much extra fat on my body after the baby was born.

When I looked in the mirror, I despised what I saw! So, I became fanatical about working out. The fat DID eventually begin to disappear, and my body once again became slender and toned. However, as I stated previously, I had become obsessed with exercise. If I didn't work out several hours each day, I was overcome with guilt. I was addicted to working out! The endorphins made me feel good (and, perhaps, I was driven by a fear of being overweight), and I just couldn't seem to make myself exercise in moderation.

Exercise is very important! However, it CAN get out of control! I finally convinced myself that I DID have a problem and that I didn't need to exercise so long and hard to be healthy and fit.

Once I admitted that I had allowed exercise to take control of my life, I was able to get it back under control. I no longer felt guilty on those days that I skipped my workouts. I no longer exercised nonstop for hours on end. I continued to exercise regularly…but in moderation.

My Forties and Fifties

When I was in my forties, people would often guess my age to be in my upper twenties. I truly LOVED looking younger than my years! And I owed my youthful looks to a healthy lifestyle! I had cut out most of the junk food and was happily thriving on plenty of fresh veggies and fruits; lean meats, fish, and poultry; moderate servings of breads and cereals, and the suggested servings of dairy products. Yes, I allowed myself to occasionally indulge in a special treat, such as a hot fudge sundae. After all, I HATE DIETS! And, if I didn't indulge from time-to-time, I'd likely have found myself bingeing on that which is often considered to be "forbidden."

I continued to work out a minimum of four times per week, at least 30 minutes each time. I would include in my workouts flexibility exercises, strength training, aerobics, and balance exercises. When time allowed, I would also go hiking or bicycling around the lake that served as my backyard. During the warmer months, I enjoyed working outdoors…mowing my lawn, caring for my garden, trimming trees and bushes. And, I loved to go swimming in the lake with my kids to cool off!

Now that I'm in my fifties, and my children are all grown, I continue to live an active lifestyle. I have to work a little harder to keep my metabolism up, and I've gained a few pounds, although I seem to have reached a weight plateau. Fortunately, I'm still fairly slender…maybe not quite as slender as I was in my earlier years…but, I feel very energetic and healthy! In fact, I'm probably as fit now as I ever have been!

I continue to combine cardiovascular workouts with resistance-training, stretching, and balancing exercises. I can still easily bend over and touch my toes, without bending the knees. I can do military-style pushups. I typically do a minimum of 200 abdominal crunches, three times per week, with little effort.

To keep from getting bored with my workouts, I change them up frequently. Sometimes I run outdoors. Sometimes I stay indoors and do Tae Bo or pilates or ride the stationary bicycle. I even occasionally put in one of my favorite music CD's and dance around for 30 minutes or so! The point is to keep your workouts fun, so that you look forward to them!

Back in August of 2004, I hiked up my first 14,000 foot mountain with the man who is now my husband and his childhood friend. What an exhilarating feeling to have conquered that mountain at the age of 51! There were moments when I thought about giving up! After all, at that altitude, lack of oxygen makes breathing more difficult. Add that to the fact that the hike is practically straight up on broken rock, and it's no wonder that I began to doubt my ability to meet this challenge! But, I made it!

That same week, my friends and I did a great deal of walking up and down mountain roads and trails. We also went whitewater river rafting and horseback riding up and down more mountain trails. What fun we had!

I guess the point I am trying to make is this:

As long as you take care of yourself and work on your physical and mental fitness, no matter what your age, you'll be better able to meet any challenges that come your way! You can even climb a mountain!

By Cyndi Schoenhals
"I Hate Diets" Weight Loss Program

Also see "What I know about diets!"