Anti-aging has become a really hot topic the last decade and everyone (especially us baby boomers) is trying to figure out how to age better than previous generations have. We want to look, act, and feel young, don’t we? I sure do!
This is one of those subjects that is near and dear to my heart and since I have had questions and suggestions over the years about sharing my fitness routine with all of you, I am finally going to do that. Since working out has been a big part of my lifestyle over the years, I’ll start at the beginning. When I turned 25, I decided that since I was young and my body was as good as it was going to be naturally, I knew that I needed to take care of it, so I made it a point to join a gym and started working out. That began my fitness journey, which I’ve never stopped to this day. So, just for the record, I have been working out for over 30 years, so a big part of my anti-aging secret is just that. Time and commitment to working out will take you very far over the years. I’m comfortable hanging out in gyms and they are familiar to me.
Now, in case you think that I think I’m all that, I don’t have a perfect body, far from it. I’ve never been happy with everything about the way I look (you either, huh?). I’ll tell you what I don’t like since we’re talking: All the women in my family have bird legs, thanks to my dad’s side of the family. If we all lined up next to my dad, you would see where we got our legs from. I also have cellulite and a tendency towards saddle bags, thanks to the ample child-bearing hips from my mom’s side of the family. Oh, and buxom, I am not. My sister got mine and hers too, so these are the things I would have changed, given the choice. But, overall it could be worse!
I think we all have things we’d love to change, but, for the most part, I’m good with how I look and how God made me. Good thing, we can’t change the basics, can we? I do think there is a lot we can do though to stay in shape and age gracefully. That’s always been my goal, to age gracefully. I will also tell you that I’ve never had a weight problem (don’t hate me!). I know so many women do and I totally feel for you. I have friends who have struggled with their weight their entire life and I can’t imagine how hard that must be. I was blessed with good genes, but I do think that working out for many years has contributed to my high metabolism. I am 5’8” tall and the most I’ve ever weighed is 140. Right now, I’m right at 125, which is the lowest I need to be. I usually stay around 130. I know how fortunate I am, believe me. I thank God for good genes from my parents, since weight problems are not something I’ve had to deal with in life.
Getting older is not easy, as we all know. Things start sagging and drooping and you look in the mirror and say, who is this person and where did she come from? The lines and wrinkles are there, the jawline gets slacker (ouch that’s hard to watch!). Hate how aging affects my face and body, but what are you gonna do? We all have to deal with it.
At 56, I feel pretty good about myself and I know the 50’s are to someone 70, like a late 30’s person is to me. We look back 10 to 20 years and see how young that age was, even though we didn’t think so at the time. Age is a relative thing. We all have to make that leap to the next decade and it’s not exactly a fun process. I dread those birthdays ending in 0, because I know I’ve just reach another big milestone. But, as “they” say, it’s better than the alternative.
So, how do we stay in shape as we get older?
There are so many ideas out there, but I’m going to share what I’ve done over the years with you and maybe it will give some of you the inspiration to just get up and get moving. I totally believe that moving and staying active is the key to aging gracefully. If you don’t move, you’ll lose momentum and burning calories and staying active is the biggest age fighter there is. Sit all day and you’ll feel sluggish and tired. Get up and move and you’ll have more energy. At least it has worked that way for me. And the more I work out, the more I want to keep working out. It works, people, it just does! Just look at my parents. They are a great testimony to not sitting down and totally staying active after retirement. They are so much better for it at their age now and that’s a huge part of why they are in such good shape. They’ve never been to the gym in their life, but just staying active will do the same thing.
One of the best things I do is walking outside. It’s fun, gets you outdoors and you can do it with a friend.
One of my best friends, Vicki, and I walk fairly often at a local park nearby. It’s a great way to get outside, catch up on what is going on in each others lives and it’s almost like a therapy session. Win-win all around!
This is a great little park in Kennesaw with a one mile walking track that goes through the woods. We usually do 3 miles and it takes about an hour, walking and talking. I also have Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield park really close to my house and I love going over there and walking and hiking up the mountain. I’ve been going there for years and it’s a great place to hang out and get exercise. We are very fortunate in this area to have some wonderful parks to enjoy.
As I mentioned, I’ve been a gym member since I was 25 and have only taken off a year or 2 from a gym in all that time. I didn’t join a gym right away when I came back home to Atlanta, but waited until I knew where I’d live before committing, but once I had my house, I found a gym not too far away. Gyms are great for having all the resources you need to stay in shape: Weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment. I use them all and have my own little routine. I don’t lift heavy weights, but just concentrate on doing upper body and lower body exercises that keep me toned. Many women are intimidated by gyms and working out around men. It doesn’t bother me a bit, since I’ve been doing it for so long.
Lifting weights is one of the best ways to change your body that I think every woman needs to consider. It really tones up those muscles and I’ve been lifting weights for over 30 years too. You don’t have to lift heavy weights at all! I really love free weights more for toning arms, that has been what I’ve used for the most part to get my arms in shape and keep them in shape. Let me just say, I’m a little bit of a snob when it comes to toned arms. I just have a thing for nice toned arms and have vowed to keep mine in shape. I can’t stand that flabby flapping in the breeze skin that hangs down under the arms and so that is one of those things that I have to do for myself. Arms are my thing, what can I say! I want to be able to keep wearing sleeveless clothing without wanting to hide my arms. Many women think if they work out with weights, they will get bulky muscles. Not true at all! It takes a ton of working out just to get toned. You will not get huge muscles!
Here’s a good breakdown of upper body exercises I found online, so take a look at these if you are interested in getting started. I don’t do all of these, but some of them. There are tons of websites online that you can look at for so many different weight training exercises. Here’s another website with some good upper body exercises.
Here are the main things I do for my upper body/arms and these are old school weight routines. I usually do 3 sets of 10 for each exercise:
Bicep curls (15 lb. free weights or 30 lb. barbell)
Tricep extensions (5 lb. weights) or 20 lb. bar for triceps (skull crushers)
Lateral raises (5 lb. weights) I do front and side moves on this
Chest Press (30 lb. bar)
Back extension (weight machine, about 50 lbs.)
Shoulder press (10 lb weights straight up and down)
Weight machines are also good for toning and I do several of these for legs. There are many to choose from so I’d suggest if you join a gym, get one of the trainers to show you how to properly use the machines. They all do great things for toning your body.
For legs I do several leg machines: Quad extension, hamstring, inner and outer thigh and I also do 2 sets of lunges across the gym and back to help tone the legs.
You don’t have to join a gym either, there are many things you can do at home to work muscles, like push-ups, sit-ups, squats, that just use your own body weight to tone, so don’t use the lack of a gym as an excuse NOT to work out.
There are so many ways to workout these days. My sister and brother-in-law do Crossfit, as do my niece and her hubby, which is a great workout routine that isn’t boring. It’s cross training exercises, with high intensity training and they don’t do typical weight lifting, although weights are used some. It’s more of an all over workout using all muscle groups and they change it up every day for something new. Lots of situps and pushups, burpees, and sprints, pull-ups, and so many things that keep them fit. I’ve been to Crossfit a few times and it’s fun and hard, but more expensive than I want to pay, so I just stick to my traditional gym routine.
It doesn’t matter what all you do, it’s just a matter of doing something…get moving!
Get up and move and burn those calories. Diet is important too. I really try to eat healthy for the most part and many days I do. My sweet tooth gets me in trouble and I can’t pass up sweet treats, so I usually don’t keep a lot at my house to tempt me. I get plenty when I go to my parents to eat, they have the sweets around all the time.
My routine is usually getting to the gym about 3 times a week. I do my weights and try to do about 20 minutes of cardio, which isn’t a lot, but I am not trying to lose weight, so that seems to be enough for me. I hear new things all the time about how much cardio to do and how many days a week to workout. I think everyone has to find their own comfort zone with a workout routine, so find your sweet spot and stick with it. I try to do something 3 to 4 days a week. I walk outside too when I can and get to the gym about 3 times for weights. There are also high energy DVD’s that many of my friends do, like the 30 day Shred. I have never tried it, but it would probably kick my butt.
Not to mention, renovating a house will burn some calories! That kicked my butt last summer, so this summer is a little easier.
I’m probably most proud of my arms and I sort of enjoy showing them off in sleeveless clothes. I’ve worked 30 years for these guns and I’m happy to have them! I have found too that even when I wasn’t hitting the weights for a year or so that my muscles kept their memory and came right back when I got back to working them out again.
I really hope this helps motivate some of you to get out there and exercise. It really is another of my passions and I can’t imagine not doing anything. No, I don’t always feel like going to the gym or walking, but most of the time I just do it anyway and I always feel better for it. Having a fit body is worth working for and I’m so thankful to be able to get up and move and stay in shape. I hope to hit 60 gracefully in a few years and not miss a beat. Sure, I don’t have as much energy as I did when I was 35 or 40, but I just keep going with the energy I do have. That’s a lifetime goal of mine, to keep on aging gracefully.
And I want to tell you that it’s never too late to get started! Even if you’ve never worked out in your life, don’t let that stop you. Get up and do something!!
How about you? Are you trying to stay in shape and do you have a regular exercise routine? Tell me about it in the comments! I’d love to keep this conversation going and hopefully do more posts on Health and Fitness, since that is something that we all have an interest in.
Remodeling a house is one thing, but I want to keep on remodeling myself too!
Amanda S. says
Rhoda, You are such an inspiration to me! I am so glad for this post! I am a 47 year old woman who, after a very rough 18 months, hasn’t exercised and has fallen into a pattern of a very poor diet. I used to be very active and was a real gym rat for a a large portion of my life. When my mom became ill 18 months ago my life became all about being an advocate for her. I really let myself fall apart. She passed away June of 2012. I know I need to make changes, but have not been able to move myself to action. Your post has lit the fire under me. After the plumber leaves I am going out for my first walk in a very long time. I have become very unhappy with the way my body looks and feels. seeing your dedication to health and how incredible you look has reminded that it is all within my power to feel and look good. Thank you, Rhoda, for inspiring me not just with making a beautiful home, but also making a beautiful me!
Amanda
Stacy says
Rhoda, I really needed to see this this morning. You are such an inspiration to me in so many ways–faith, blogging, decorating, thrifting, family. I’ve always admired your cute figure and wondered if you were just one of those people who was naturally thin and fit. Thanks for sharing “your story” and routines. I’m replying to Amanda’s comment because when I read her comment it was so, so similar to my story. I, too, am 47. Used to be very active and fit. My mother died last year–Along with some other difficult stuff . I’ve not been exercising or watching what I eat the way I should. Those things always seem to fall to the bottom of my list. Rhoda,I am inspired once again by you and your life. Thank you. And thank you Amanda for sharing. I am reminded that “I’m not the only one”:-)
Heather says
You are amazing and a wonderful motivation! Thank you for sharing your workout routine and all of the great tips. YOU know how much this means to me right now on my journey. You rock my friend!!
Heather
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
This is very inspiring 🙂 You look fantastic!! xo Kristin
Nancy says
Baby Girl… You look awesome!!
I am 54 and when I turned 50ish is when I said… that’s it! Time to trim this body and get more healthy. And so I did!
I am a walker and a “stretch exerciser.” ( toe touches etc.) I have done some weights but I have a problem with a pinch nerve that can get irritated in my left arm.
Seriously… the key is to MOVE and eat correctly. I learned what real portions are and pack my day with Protein. (non fat yogurt mostly) Protein helps with that metabolism to burn the fat. I have kept 35 pounds off for close to 31/2 years. I have some occasional sweets but like you said… I don’t keep them in the house. I do have a daily piece of dark chocolate. You will laugh… but when I eat that dark chocolate, I sit down, close my eyes… and taste the flavor and enjoy it slowly. Dr. Oz and Prevention Magazine recommended that. Great Post, Rhoda! I am so glad to be back online with you! HAVE SO MUCH FUN AT HAVEN!
~~Nancy from OHIO
Debbie says
I am totally in awe of you! I have been reading your blog for a couple years now, and you have inspired many Of my DIY projects. You look great, and you are so right that keeping active gives you more energy. I walk, and do some dvd workouts, but you have inspired me to get my arms in shape like yours are. Take care!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Boy do I need to take this post and hang it on my mirrors!!!! I have started a swimming regime but I really need to change my body as I lose weight. I’m “kissing 60” so I really need your great advice! Thanks!
Julie says
Great Guns Rhoda!! You go! Have been working out since I turned 40- now at 48 I feel great! It’s never too late!!
Sharon says
This topic has been on mind a lot lately. I’m about to be 45, but for the past couple of years, I’ve felt so much older. That’s about to change! My husband and I are about to make some serious changes to our diet. And I’m eager to get active again.
I was surprised to read that you are 5’8″….much taller than I imagined. 🙂
Thanks for sharing and motivating!
Victoria says
Rhoda it was great to hear about your fitness routine. I always knew you worked out but never knew what you did. I’ve been working out regularly for 15 years and absolutely love how it makes me feel and looking good is nice too 😉 I couldn’t agree more with your comment that you have to find your balance with your exercise. I struggled for years trying to get the right fit for me and have settled into a 4 day a week routine which suits my lifestyle perfectly. Luckily I have a great husband and we go to the gym together. It’s wonderful! Also, for those who are interested in starting to exercise it is important to know that they should do what they enjoy doing as then they are most likely to continue with it. Cycling, walking, swimming – as you said – just keep active! One more thing – I agree Rhoda, weights are so important! You can’t just do cardio – you need strength training as well – for that is what firms you up and keep you tight. There are so many resources on the internet to get you started. I really found Bill Pearl’s website helpful when I started out. It was no nonsense and just spoke to me. Great post!
P.S. your arms are gorgeous! Way to go girl!
Elizabeth @ Southern Color says
You look great!! I really think the key is to just keep moving – whether it’s in a gym or re-modeling a house. Thanks for sharing your routine!
Eileen says
Rhoda – I really enjoyed reading your post. You and I are the same age and I have been walking/running since my 20’s. I also do some Yoga and work out with very light weights (5-10 lbs). I too feel so much better on the days that I do work out! My dad who jogged, lifted weights and did pushups until he was 83 was always my inspiration. By the way, you look great!!!
whitney herrera says
I’m almost 37 and have always had to workout HARD to lose weight or stay toned. I am one of those folks who struggle. Carbs are not my friend. I really can not eat a balanced diet and lose weight, even with working out sometimes 2x per day. UGH, yes, life is unfair! I’m a runner and I also use weights. I go through ups and downs from 130-150. I’m not tall so really 130 needs to be the max for me. 130 makes me a size 4/6 and that makes me happy. I’m never gonna be skinny, but I want to be healthy! Right now I’m in a lull on fitness 🙁 Planning to rededicate myself as soon as I get back from Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons! You look fabulous and I would certainly be showing off those arms!
Victoria says
I was a gym rat for most of my 20’s but at 34 I got divorced and, as a single mom, couldn’t afford it anymore. So for the past decade I’ve been doing Billy Blanks cardio workouts, I love them! I do them now off youtube (it’s free so no excuses!) and I do it in my living room. At 45, I’m not as slim as I was in my 20’s and 30’s, but oh well!
I love hearing fitness advice from women in their 50’s and beyond, it’s very inspiring!!! BTW Great arms!
Malinda Clay says
Sigh…great post and very proud of you. But now I am just depressed. I so need to get up and MOVE.
Andrea says
I’ve noticed all those wonderful food posts on your Instagram and wondered how you stay so thin 😉 after gaining 80 lbs with my last pregnancy, my body changed. I lost 50 of it, but I’m stretched and flabby. I’ve signed up with a personal trainer at a great local gym. I signed up with her for an entire year to make sure I stick with it (unlike you, I am not such a fan of working out). I can’t wait to get started after we are back from holidays! And yes, while she mixes cardio with weights, muscle gain is a huge part of changing your metabolism.
Melanie says
I’ve always figured you worked out since you were so slim and toned. I have been overweight most of my life…I am now (almost) 51 and going through menopause, so weight is even higher. I eat very healthy and do yoga and walk once in awhile but it’s not near enough. I know I need to be doing a lot more, plus using weights. You’re an inspiration – thank you!
Lisa E says
I’m fairly new to your blog and a new fan. Have to say one of the reasons I came over was because I’m 52 and many of the bloggers are so much younger and sometimes I just feel it, if you know what I mean. Your house is looking beautiful. Love, love, love this post. I wish I could say that I’ve been faithfully working out all of these years. It’s been on and off for me. Most recently, I did practice Tai Chi for four years but couldn’t stay disciplined in it. Apparently I need somebody to hold my hand anymore. After putting on 15 pounds last year, on top of the 18 I already wanted to lose, and then quitting Tai Chi, I just felt awful. I said that’s enough and hired a personal trainer because I needed that proverbial kick in the butt. I’ve done it twice before over the years and it helped and I sooo needed it now. I told them up front that I wanted to be taped and weighed regularly as well because I personally need that accountability. I’m losing slowly, but I’m losing. I wanted to lose 2 lbs a week, but it’s been 1 and I’ll take it. So 12 down, 18 more to go. Actually, more importantly, my goal was three sizes. One down, two more to go. 🙂 I feel better, my husband sees it and is happy for me. You look wonderful and I’m loving those guns and hope for the same! 🙂 Would love to see more of these posts. We truly make so many excuses to our detriment.
Karan says
fantastic article! I so need to start walking again. I love it.
karan
gina says
Needed this inspiration! Have changed my diet, but needed this push to do SOMETHING! Will walk today in honor of your great biceps and amazing attitude! This is the start of the new me!
Rita C says
Kudos, Rhoda – you look very healthy & fit! My husband & I walk almost every single day, 3 miles (the hotter it is, the earlier we go). I was a ballet dancer for many years, and the only thing that ever came close to it after retiring (for me) was yoga, although I’ve done cardio, machines, and weights. I really enjoy the walking – we can speed up for cardio bursts, or just enjoy each other’s company at a normal brisk pace. And you’re right – everyone just needs to find their sweet spot. I said today on our walk that I’m so thankful just to be able-bodied to be able to move. 🙂
~R