?? Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women, You Don’t Need a Six-Pack to Be Fit and Healthy ????

Hey there, fabulous ladies!

I know what you're thinking – "Do I need to have a six-pack to be fit?" Well, let me tell you, it’s time to toss that outdated notion out the window. Fitness is not about having a perfectly sculpted body; it’s about feeling good, being healthy, and living a long, disease-free life. Let’s debunk the myth that a six-pack equals fitness and explore what true fitness means, especially during perimenopause and beyond.?

Fit vs. Slim: The Real Deal

First things first, being slim doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fit. You can be slender and still be unfit if you’re not active or nourishing your body properly. Fitness is about your body's ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, resist diseases, and handle emergency situations.

Overweight and Fit: Yes, It’s Possible!

On the flip side, you can be overweight and still be fit. That’s right! Fitness is more than just a number on the scale. It’s about cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can lead to improved fitness, regardless of your size. Now, I’m not talking about being obese, which carries its own health risks, but you can definitely carry a bit of extra weight and still be in great shape.

Six-Packs: Not Always the Gold Standard

Let's talk about six-packs. Sure, they look impressive, but getting and maintaining one can sometimes be unhealthy. It often requires extreme dieting, calorie restriction, and intense exercise regimens that are not sustainable for most people. This doesn't mean everyone with a six-pack is unhealthy, plenty of people are both fit and healthy with six-packs. However, it’s important to remember that everybody is different. We all carry fat in different places, and that’s perfectly normal.

The Key to Longevity: Fitness

The ultimate goal of fitness is to enhance your quality of life and increase your lifespan. Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also boosts mental health, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. In short, being fit is your ticket to a healthier, happier, and longer life.

How to Achieve True Fitness

Move Your Body:

Strength Training: Aim for three days of strength training each week. This helps maintain muscle mass, which is crucial during and after menopause. Strength training also improves bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and enhances joint health, making everyday activities easier and less painful.

Daily Movement: Incorporate movement into your everyday routine. Aim to get 10,000 steps every day. Start small if you need to and gradually increase. Walking improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and aids in weight management. It also enhances balance and coordination, which is especially important as we age.

HIIT and SIT: Include High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sprint Interval Training (SIT) in your workout routine. These can be very effective and efficient ways to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. Additionally, HIIT and SIT reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, improve glucose control, and enhance brain health.

Eat Balanced Meals: Focus on whole foods, especially those high in protein and fibre. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. High-protein and high-fibre foods help keep you full and satisfied, which is important for managing weight and overall health. And remember, it’s okay to indulge occasionally!

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body functioning optimally. Sometimes, during menopause, we can forget how essential hydration is.

Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and recovery. As we all know, perimenopause and menopause can disrupt sleep, so establish a calming bedtime routine. Along with good nutrition and setting your circadian rhythm, this does help.

Manage Stress: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, to help manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Menopause can be stressful, and managing that stress is key to overall fitness.

Embrace Your Unique Journey:

Ladies, remember, you don’t need a six-pack to be fit. Focus on building a healthy, active lifestyle that suits your body and your needs. Embrace the journey to becoming truly fit – it’s about how you feel, how your body functions, and how you can enjoy life to the fullest.

Here’s to breaking stereotypes and embracing real fitness during and perimenopause and beyond!

Comment below or DM me if you'd like a free health and fitness consultation to get started on your journey.

?? Lisa xox