When I was in my teens and twenties, my motivation for exercising was primarily about achieving a certain look. I wanted my clothes to fit well, and I took up running—not that I was particularly fast or passionate about it. It was more about efficiency than enjoyment.
In my thirties, everything changed when I welcomed three children into my life. I would squeeze in workouts between pregnancies, occasionally running races to reassure myself I was still in shape (even though I often felt like I was in a constant cycle of fitness and pregnancy). My wardrobe reflected my journey: from smaller sizes to maternity wear, and eventually to comfortable postpartum attire. There was always a pair of pants that fit.
But something remarkable occurred—I began to genuinely look forward to my runs. The demands of motherhood left me feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally. I found that running provided a necessary escape, a chance to gather my thoughts and recharge. My husband noticed the difference too; when he saw the stress on my face, he would encourage me to take a run.
Now, at 40, I’ve drifted away from running. Why? My children are older and in school, so I no longer feel the need to escape. My knees have grown creaky, and I’ve become more conscious of the toll that running took on my body over the years. Interestingly, I started working out alongside a much older crowd.
When I joined a gym with childcare options, I found myself sharing the indoor track with retirees. Initially, I felt fast compared to the older walkers, but I soon realized that I had a lot to learn. After two C-sections, I discovered I could barely manage a sit-up. While running helped with post-pregnancy weight, it didn’t address the core issues stemming from my surgeries.
That’s when I shifted to Pilates, which emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and balance. Much to my surprise, the classes were filled with older adults who were incredibly fit. They were not only keeping up with the exercises but often outpacing me. Their strength and determination inspired me. It dawned on me: I could either cling to my past fitness routine and gradually face the decline that comes with age or emulate those active seniors, striving to become the healthy older adult I aspire to be.
I can’t rewind to my younger years, and I realize that my fitness journey must adapt as I age. I don’t want to be a 65-year-old struggling with stairs or a 75-year-old who can’t play with her grandchildren. The future is about being a healthy 40-year-old and beyond. I may not run marathons anymore, but I’m not done. I’m evolving—my creaky joints prefer Pilates, biking, and walking now, and I’ve even ventured into skiing and surfing! Who knows what else awaits? As long as I’m moving forward, I’m happy.
For more insights on fitness and well-being at any age, check out our other blog posts like this one on relearning to exercise. If you’re looking for resources on home insemination, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on the topic, and American Pregnancy offers valuable information too.
Summary
As I navigate my fitness journey at 40, I embrace the changes my body has gone through and opt for routines that align with my current needs. I’ve moved from running to Pilates and other enjoyable activities, focusing on maintaining my health and vitality as I age.