I Am Getting Buff!
Happy Friday, lovely people!
I hope this email finds you wrapping up a week filled with small victories and maybe a pleasant surprise or two. As we cruise into the weekend, let's take a moment to celebrate making it through another week - whether you gracefully glided or stumbled across the finish line 🏁. No judgment here, we're all just doing our best.
If you've known me for any length of time, you're likely familiar with my complicated relationship with exercise. I deeply appreciate its benefits and the post-workout glow (sweat) but the actual doing? Let's just say it's been about as appealing as a root canal... until now. For years, my exercise routine was more stop-start than a learner driver in rush hour traffic. 🚗
However, as I venture into the uncharted territory of midlife, with perimenopause as my unwelcome travel companion, I've discovered a newfound urgency in my desire to exercise.
Perhaps it's heightened awareness, but I've become acutely conscious of the elderly patients in my GP clinic. They often struggle with mobility, finding it more challenging to rise from chairs than a sloth doing yoga. This realisation struck me with the subtlety of a sledgehammer - I don't fancy that future for myself.
Add to that the fact that I'm what we'll diplomatically call an... experienced (read: geriatric) mother, the last thing I want is to become a burden to my kids. 👵👶
I believe I've finally cracked the code to consistent exercise. Brace yourselves - I've embraced strength training. Yes, you read that correctly. I'm engaging in weight lifting sessions 2-3 times per week. While I'm not exactly bench-pressing small cars yet, I recognise this as a work in progress.
My unexpected success can be attributed to implementing James Clear's Laws of Behaviour Change, as outlined in his book "Atomic Habits". These laws provide a framework for creating positive habits that doesn't require superhuman willpower: Let’s take a closer look 🔍
Make it Obvious (Cue): I've set a crystal-clear intention: "I will strength train at 6:30 AM at my group sessions on the high street on a Tuesday and Thursday and possibly Saturdays if weekend commitments allow" I've also stacked this habit onto my morning coffee routine. As soon as I drain that last drop of caffeine on those mornings, it's time to get my lift on! ☕💪
Make it Attractive (Craving): Picture this: My trainer, Nancy, bless her, blasts out nineties garage music. "Re-rewind, when the crowd say Bo Selecta!" (If you know, you know.) 🎵 Suddenly, I'm not just working out; I'm time-traveling back to my youth! Plus, I'm surrounded by other midlife women on this strength training journey. Seeing their progress is like a shot of inspiration.
Make it Easy (Response): Being part of a group is my secret weapon. All I have to do is show up - no excuses! Everything's laid out like a fitness buffet: equipment ready, mats unfurled and the session planned to perfection. My only job? Get there and get moving.🏃♀️
Make it Satisfying (Reward): Post-workout, I treat myself to a chocolate protein smoothie that tastes more like dessert than health food (don't tell anyone). I've also become oddly addicted to my habit tracker. Those little check marks accumulating? It's like collecting gold stars as an adult and I'm here for it! 🍫🥤⭐
By applying these principles to my own circumstances, I've transformed from someone who viewed exercise with the enthusiasm usually reserved for my tax return to an individual who actually looks forward to strength training sessions. 😱
The results are already becoming apparent. I've noticed increased energy levels, improved mood and what I suspect might be the early stages of muscle definition (although it could just be a shadow - further investigation is needed).🔍💪
If you find yourself in a similar position - aspiring to exercise regularly but struggling with consistency, I encourage you to consider applying these behaviour change laws. They may prove to be the secret sauce in your recipe for a healthier lifestyle.
Our current efforts aren't just for immediate gratification or the ability to open stubborn jars; we're investing in our future well-being. Here's to strong, independent midlife ladies who won't be shuffling into anyone's clinic anytime soon!
