I have been a member of a gym for over a year, but for the first 6-months of that I went every-now-and-then ONLY because I was conscious that I was paying for it, and that I ‘should go’. I mean, going once every two-weeks is enough, right?
Wrong. I now know that is a big fat load of rubbish and because I was telling myself I was too busy, too tied up with the kids, too unfit, too self-conscious and so I didn’t go.
So what changed?
In a nutshell, my mindset changed. What I was telling myself around exercise changed. My self-esteem and confidence changed. My attitude changed. My need to move my body and to feel good was bigger than the BS I was telling myself around the gym.
I am 48, I wear lycra, new headphones and I go to the gym on average 5-times a week.
Why do I go as much as that?
I go to the gym, almost daily, to feel good and I see the value of exercise in midlife. I want to feel strong and fit (ish) and I go because I actually really love it. Unlike when I went in my twenties which was about trying to fit in and look slim or skinny. I also LOVE the chance to listen to podcasts, music and audio books. I recently completed an 8-hour audio book whilst peddling on a bike – something I always told myself I didn’t have time for.
And that’s the key!
I told myself I didn’t have time for the gym: I’ve got three kids, I have to work, cook, clean, blog, coach, parent blah blah blah. I think about all of those excuses now and I know the things I was telling myself were all based around fear and pushing past that fear is the key and it is all about what you think and what you tell yourself. Think about that for a moment.
So what do I do at the gym?
Well, I try to go whenever I have a spare hour, usually at lunchtime when the kids are at school works best. I start with 20-30-mins on the treadmill and I walk. I don’t enjoy running and so I do as little as possible. I usually walk at 5-speed and with an incline of anything between 10-14 depending on how I feel. Headphones on loud and I honestly love every second. After the walk, I try to do another cardio type thing (technical) – either the rowing machine for about 10-mins or my new fave, the exercise bike! I aim for anything between 10 and 20-mins on the bike and peddle away whilst I listen to whatever I am tuned into that day. The bike is hard work actually, but I have really noticed that it makes my legs feel strong-er.
After my cardio-stuff, I do a few weights and have progressed to lying on the weights bench. Geriatric Mum does weights! Love it. I use the free weights and kettle bells and the leg machines too – and I really can feel that I am benefiting from thrusting weights around and pretending I know what I am doing. In all seriousness, I have been shown how to do this at the gym, and I would recommend you do, too.
After weights, I do some proper stretching, and some sit-ups and generally just lie on the floor until it is time to go.
My gym membership is £35 a month (sleepy Lincolnshire) and I have to say it amazing value for money. I get to use the heated lido in April-Oct for that price, too. If you can’t join a gym, really think about going for power walks and buying some weights or an exercise bike – your midlife body will thank you for it.
So that’s it. Here is a piccie of me at the gym surrounded by huge weights I can’t lift – I am more of a dumbbell 8kg kinda woman!
Tempted to join a gym? Already a fan? Any tips to share with me? Email on lucy@geriatricmum.co.uk if you do.
Remember: no-one gives a f*ck about you in the gym, so kick that self-consciousness to the kerb – the only f*ck you should give is about looking after your ‘midlife’ body.
Thanks for reading,
Lucy
Instagram @geriatric_mum
