Over 40? What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

I had the joy of turning 40 at the end of last year. Being in the wellness industry for many years, I have always noticed the products marketed to those over 40, but until I hit 40, never thought it would happen to me. I think the worst part of turning 40 was being referred to as middle-aged. I mean, you have to be kidding me. Me, middle-aged? I don’t look like what I thought middle-aged would be. My friends don’t either.

So now we are 40 or over 40 and we are expected to weigh more, have less energy, and have some type of crisis. I chose to ignore what is expected of someone my age and live on my terms and so should you. I don’t care if you are 40, 50, 60, 100 or more, this is your life and you can still be anything you want to be when you grow up! If your Mommy and Daddy didn’t tell you that growing up, well shame on them! I am telling you now. It’s not too late, keep your eye on what you want and GO FOR IT!!

I wanted to write about being over 40 today as I recently got a Facebook message from a friend of mine asking about some advice she had seen on a commercial for women over 40. The commercial stated that women over 40 had to exercise at least one hour a day to not gain weight. My response was that I think everyone should be exercising at least an hour a day for their health. Women and Men over 40 really need to be serious about weight training. Both sex’s metabolisms slow each decade starting at age 20. For men 2% to 6% and for women 6% to 12%. The best way to fight this is through weight training. You also want to keep up the cardiovascular exercise to keep your heart strong and as with any age and/or fitness goal, nutrition is critical! That being said, sometimes hormonal issues come into play, and no matter how much you eat right and exercise the weight stays. Most people overestimate how much they are exercising and underestimate how much they are eating, so start by working with a professional, before you decide you have a hormone issue. And please, don’t be one of those over 40 people that say, “Well, I’m 40, I’m supposed to gain weight now.” That belief will keep the weight on you. You have to believe you be fit over 40 to accomplish the goal.

I know in the US right now, many 40 and over are struggling not only with added weight gain but financially from job loss. I have been through that, so I understand how stressful and debilitating it can be. It can also be a huge blow to your self-confidence. I know I expected to have more on my 40th birthday, then I did on my 25th birthday and that just wasn’t the case. I eat right and exercise but the stress and uncertainty at that time caused me to start losing sleep. As a result of the stress and lack of sleep, I gained a few pounds. I share this, because you or someone you know may be going through something similar. My heart goes out to all who find themselves in a time of uncertainty. I know it will pass, but when you are in the situation it seems never-ending. If you know someone going through this, do your best to lift their spirits.

So, we are over 40? What now? What is your goal? Whether you want to lose weight, change careers, go back to school, start a business, or anything, start working on it today! Little actions make progress over time. You can do it!

If your goal is to lose weight, I would love to help! You can always reach me at karen@karenhummel.com.

Now get out there and show the world how fabulous over 40 looks!