If you’re the teeny, tiniest bit like me…you’re noticing changes.
I turned 46 this year (I’ll admit…I just had to double check my math) and damn it, if I am not experiencing some weird ass, less than desired “changes” in my body and day to day routine.
I used to wake up and pop right out of bed. Now it’s more of an “O.K. Ang…it’s another day. Time to get up and feel what your body has to offer you today…” Don’t get me wrong. I still wake at early hours and enjoy my mornings ( I am a morning person, thanks to my dad) but I just never know how my body is going to respond and feel, once my legs swing out of those covers.
I experience more muscle soreness/pain, in my upper body (shoulders in particular), have sinus issues like no other lately and a right ear ache that can be contributed to “THE CHANGE” or the fact that I love sleeping on my right side and must sleep heavy and hard as ever, when do…cause my ear can truly hurt.
I am also going on year 3, of finally getting my gut back in order and celebrating more #2’s (TMI, but seriously…this had been a battle for me). I feel I should add that my G.I. specialists, didn’t help me one lick, but certainly was good at putting my body through the ringer and prescribing meds that didn’t work. I found my greatest answers in holistic options, googling others “like me”, trial and error and LISTENING TO MY BODY! Some times you have to go rogue! And when it comes to you and your body and trusting what you’re being asked to put in it, you really need to trust and stand behind it. Don’t be afraid to do your own research or challenge your doctor. Speak up. I have learned that in my wiser age and have recently gotten better at it. No more sitting and nodding. Advocate for yourself…there’s truly no power like it!
Ok….see..I get talking about going #2 and completely sidetrack myself and the point to this entry. Chalk that up to yet another “change” on the growing list. But hey, at least I have gotten myself back on the subject…Now to just hope my brain cooperates in letting me share the knowledge I know I have, that could help you in your health/fitness and just want my body back, journey.
After 35 years of age, our body’s muscle mass naturally starts to decrease. Not a word we like to hear, especially being that muscle is what helps us to BURN FAT!
I’m not writing this entry to share facts and spew about latest research. I can do that in a later post if you’d like and site all the research you’d like me to hit on…the purpose of THIS ENTRY, is to share with you my own personal experiences and knowledge gained over the years, since turning 40 (well…more like 44-ish).
I had started to feel the roller coaster of ups and downs. The brain fog. The fatigue… How I learned to combat it, was GETTING MY ROUTINE BACK! I had gotten out of my resistance training workouts. I just wasn’t lifting like I had and my body felt it. So I began challenging myself and lifting heavier weights. Aiming for 6-10 reps max and seeing what I could do…and let me tell you… AFTER having kept to my deal I’d made myself (no going more than 2 days without a workout) and pushing weights (mind you, nothing crazy…I am no heavy lifter) I FELT BETTER!
I noticed more clarity and more even-keel moods and emotions. I felt I had CONTROL back and was no longer losing it on my kids or husband. I had more days that I felt were mine!
My routine saved me. My soul feels it and my body shows it. I can see and feel the difference…not feeling so full of inflammation or that my body was betraying me.
NOW TO ONLY HOLD ONTO IT!
Lifting weights gave me back a piece of me, that I didn’t realize I was losing. Not only giving me a more positive mental state, but also positively adding more muscle back onto my body, that we are fighting to save.
The goal should be to BE STRONG…mentally, physically and emotionally and I swear by this antidote above all others. Supplements and herbs and replacement therapies can come later or in conjunction, if it suits you. JUST GET BACK TO LIFTING or JUST GET STARTED!
Aim for 3-4 days a week and don’t forget some other heart healthy workouts too! The early evenings are a beautiful time to take a good walk 🙂
~Angie
