K, so you are my peeps and I'm not gonna lie to you guys. I'm just gonna tell you straight out, once you hit your 40s, it is so much harder to stay trim. It seems like you have to exercise so much more, I'm talking almost double to get the same results and so that can be a little frustrating. And you definitely can't eat like you used to, which is actually a good thing I know to be eating so much healthier but boy do I miss being able to eat four cookies instead of just one and that one only on occasion instead of every day, ha ha.
So there are three things in working out that are my best friends. My Fitbit of course, my portable stepper and planks. And I can tell you when you are in a competition for a work week hustle or even who can step the most in the day, your motivation skyrockets compared to just looking at the Fitbit for yourself. However, I am obsessed no matter what with getting my 10,000 steps a day and I try to average 13,000 to 15,000. I make sure I do it at least six out of the seven days but usually get my break on one of the weekend days. I always say if I was laid up and couldn't exercise, I'd go nuts.
Walking by water motivates me even more!
I said this once before on one of my Friday Favorites, but my Stepper from Amazon is the best exercise equipment purchase I've ever made in my entire life! I even step on it sometimes in my slippers.
People, hear me when I tell you BEST under $50 purchase ever from Amazon!! When it is too cold to run or walk outside, this stepper saves my workout sanity!! I can literally tote it to any room in the house, walk on it for an hour and catch up on all my DVR-ed TV shows., even blog. I have already worn out one so hubs bought me another. LOVE it and no $1000-$2000 for an elliptical or treadmill and it takes up no room, slide it under the bed or in a closet and good to go!!
Get over Amazon right now and get one HERE
Fitbit and walking. I have always been a walking fanatic. Sometimes I do a run/walk but the older I've gotten that walking is just so much easier. I make it a point to get several good walks in during the day. And if the weather's nice, of course I get those walks and outside. We hike when we can too.
Oh and if we'd have had any of the fluffy white stuff his year, I'd have been snowshoeing to get steps....I even snowshoe in the back yard.
Planks. I pride myself in being able to do quite the long plank. I try to do a few throughout the day and I feel like it keeps my whole body more in balance if that makes sense.
Now here are the things that I'm not doing that I should be if I want to get a total weight workout. Weights. I have just never been good with weights. I always end up pulling a muscle somewhere even when I go down to the lower weights. And toning, boy when you get older, do you definitely need this! The planks help and of course the stepper but I know I could be doing more to tone. And I probably should be adding more stretches in too.
For the most part, I try to stay active and feel pretty good about my cardio and workout schedule. However, it's sad to think that the older I get, the more I may even have to do. And in reality I really want to work out like this:
What is your favorite way to work out? You certainly don't need a fancy gym or expensive equipment, just move that body girl! And no matter what, when motivation gets you down; You got this gorgeous!!
Linking up with Biana // Totally Terrific Tuesday // Inspire Me Monday // Inspire Me Tuesday // Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party // Share It // Creative Monday's // Creative Muster Party // Wow Us Wednesdays // Wonderful Wednesday's Blog Hop // Feathered Nest Friday // Tuesday Talk with Ashley & Erika // Metamorphosis Monday // The Scoop
xoxo
wow a very inspirational post for working out! xx
ReplyDeleteMónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: RUFFLE TOP AND VELVET LOAFERS
Your graphics crack me up - they are the BEST! I love seeing what everyone does to stay fit, no joke it is harder as we get older. It's crazy that we finally have time to go out to dinner, get drinks, enjoy a more lively social life now that our kids are grown but if we do that we pack on the pounds! Ugh!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying really hard to be active this year!
Get it girl!! Working out gets much harder as you get older so I try to make it a point not to ever get out of making it a habit! I think I need that stepper.. It looks like it would save my life!
ReplyDeleteBrittany :)
www.kingdomofsequins.com
Love all of your graphics! It's definitely harder to stay in shape as you get older. I swim a few days a week, take our dog on long walks and do at home workouts with weights. I need to get that stepper!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
What a fun workout post, Andrea! That is so awesome about the portable stepper, and for under $50?! We have a treadmill in our basement and you are right, it takes up SO much room. Love that you can take your stepper from room to room. That plank graphic is too funny, too haha!! Sounds like you have a great mix of exercises! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeletexo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
This is such an inspirational post! I have a FitBit and I totally agree that it is so motivational!! Plus I love the fact that you can see how many steps you're friends are getting, which kind of makes it a competition for me!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecourtneydiaries.com
What a fun post!! You know I just got my fitbit so I'm also obsessed with hitting at least 10K steps! I just did a weekend challenge and the hubby ended up winning with over 30K! Now I'm obsessed with beating him hahaha
ReplyDeleteYour top graphic is actually from my favorite YouTube trainer, Anna Renderer! Love her! If you get in a workout rut, check out my Tuesday Training posts where I share my favorite quick, easy, and fun workouts that you can do in your own home. Happy Monday! agalnamedal.com
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post! I love the stepper you have--such a great piece of equipment that you can do while watching tv!
ReplyDeleteSarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
This is awesome motivation Andrea! I love that you get on your stepper in your slipper, haha! I'm more of a walker than a runner too. :)
ReplyDeleteBrooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Thanks for the motivation pretty lady!
ReplyDeleteLove your workout tips, especially the stepper. That would be so great when we have those hot-n-humid days here in the Houston summer. Have awonderful week!
ReplyDeleteDying over all your memes! I really thought I was going to be one of those to defy the odds..and not let the 40's get the best of me. I'm hanging in there but definitely would give anything to be as fat as I thought I was at 28!! I'm super impressed with your 13-15K steps most days. I definitely struggle to even hit 10K a day...no wonder you are still so hot momma!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the motivation and I love all the memes in this post. Too funny and too true. I love that stepper, I am going to have to look into that. I would probably just slide it under my couch :). I could see both of my kiddos wanting to try it too. I love walking, especially outside. Your post was great! I loved reading it!
ReplyDeleteI'm still dying over the plank meme. So true! I love how you have incorporated fitness into your everyday life. I also love walking and think I need to move. 🙈 You make 40 look amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteOk I need to work out while simultaneously enjoying a mimosa - amazing! LOL at the planking meme, and walking by the water is definitely more motivating. You look fabulous friend <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Andrea, this is such great inspiration! I've gained so much weight during this pregnanancy and I honesely cannot wait to work out again! You, on the other hand, look SO FAB! You really are my role model! PS: Heading to the post office on Tue to mail out your gift card! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.com
These photos are too funny! Great motivation :)
ReplyDelete-Jessi
http://www.thedarlingdetail.com/
Get it girl!!! I am trying to get back in to my work out game after baby. I was consistently working out five days a week for about 2 years before I got pregnant and I quit during my 8th month and haven't done anything since lol. Weights are actually my favorite, cardio/running my least favorite. I am hoping to pick things back up this week and ease back in to my old routine. I love Youtube videos from PopSugar Fitness!
ReplyDeleteI am dying over some of these photos. Haha so funny! That portable stepper is such a good idea. Perfect for travel! Have a great week :)
ReplyDelete-Rachel
http://thetrendytomboy.com/
Say it isn't so Andrea... I had a hard enough time with the drop in my 30s. I love that little stepper what a great idea, I'm going to look into that....
ReplyDeleteOkay I seriously might need that stepper. I also need your motivation.... You're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
Hilarious and full of great advice!! You are so fun. I bought PC one of those steppers and he never used it. I need to dig it out and inspire him to try it by using it me-self! Love the curls with a mimosa in hand. Yes! And planks, I was doing them but have dropped off. This grandma will be doing them everyday if they can help me to look half as great as YOU!!
ReplyDeleteAll of these pictures are cracking me up! And I'm totally intrigued by your mini-stepper! Also you are totally beating me in terms of daily steps. I gotta get moving!
ReplyDeleteI love this post!!! I already have a really hard time staying fit so I am not looking to getting older! Trying to form my habits now! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteLove all your tips. You always look fantastic! I hate weight workouts too, but I'm finding that I really need them as I barrel toward 50. I need to get my Fitbit out and use it!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! You look fabulous and not a day over 40, my sweet friend! I hope to look as good as you do one day!
ReplyDeleteThe funnies just cracked me up -- off to Amazon to check this bad boy out! ;)
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
You look great in your walking gear, Andrea. The gin and tonic lifting video clip has just inspired me to go try that one out right now!
ReplyDeleteI really do hate that I can't eat as much as I used to, but staying active helps out a little bit! I have a Fitbit too, and it really does help me stay active and be more conscious of how much I'm actually moving around during the day.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a stepper - but its HUGE & BULKY & SO LOUDDDDDD... I need to check that one out - I love something I can do while watching TV
ReplyDeleteI love this! And that stepper, for that price I really want to run, not walk and get one! That's great you can do so much while on it...like blogging...hmm...so do you set it up in front of your counter, have the laptop on the counter and blog away? Genius! And if I had a fitbit I would totally want in on a work week hustle...when I had a step counter through work, I could barely make my 7K a day!
ReplyDeleteLove hearing about what works for you! I've never tried one of those steppers but it definitely would be handy for the winter months! I'm a fan of HIIT workouts and strength training combined with cardio. There's all kinds of youtube videos to work your way into it if you are ever interested. I recommend the channel Fitness Blender or Popsugar Fitness. Two of my faves! :) P.S. you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteLawd, I need some motivation! I jumped back on the water bandwagon today though. Haven't had any Diet Coke and I have the caffeine withdrawal headache to prove it! :( Thank you for all the encouragement Sweet Friend! You rock!!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, dear, take it from an almost 65 year old that you do need to keep that body moving. I have walked or done the elliptical for 30+ years and have needed to do so much more but am in really good shape I think. I probably should add some light weights but just can't get motivated in that area. :o)) And, remember to "eat to live, not live to eat." Great post!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great price for the portable stepper and planks may look easy but they're such a great way to tone up those muscles. Yes stretching is so important too which I forget to do more often than not but I like doing yoga to get some stretching and toning up in. You make the 40's look fun and fabulous!! Got a good laugh at the end with the two girls lifting weights with a cocktail in the other hand. GOALS!!
ReplyDeleteI think I need that stepper! I recently got a fitness tracker, and it's shown me that I don't walk nearly enough.
ReplyDeleteWhoa I totally need that stepper- what a genius idea! You're so full of great info. And I think you looo absolutely amazing- so keep doing what you're doing! Xo!
ReplyDeletePerfect timing on this post! I just started back at the gym today...even though the plan was to start right after Christmas - oops!! My sister actually has that stepper and really likes it! She says its easy to get a workout in while watching tv, and it really gets her heart rate going. (PS, as I'm typing this, I'm eating candy - which is NOT good!) :) XO
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
bahaha- I have that stepper too and completely agree with you- I don't watch stupid TV shows without being on it!
ReplyDeleteThat stepper? Really?? Wow! I'm so impressed!! I HATE planks but have recently started doing these: https://youtu.be/96ppUeXhXiw
ReplyDeleteI already see I'm downward spiraling in my 30's. Ok, maybe not that drastic, but it's still harder. My problem is motivating myself to workout since I'm usually exhausted or trying to get other things done because time just isn't always on my side. I am cracking up at your memes! Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteI am not yet 29 and I already can't eat like I used to. In high school, I could drink non-diet soda all the time and finish a pint of ice cream in one sitting! Haha.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get a chance to blog or read any blogs yesterday and now I feel horrible! This link up is kinda sorta up my alley!!! So I'm reading and nodding in agreement and then realize you linked to me! Precious, lady! I love "working out" with you LOL! Walking is key to good health and you have those steps down, sister. I am thirty-five and my weight can fall off and then pile back on so I get it with missing the days of eat the pack of Oreos and not worry!
ReplyDeleteYou're so good that you do so much exercise! All that walking. Phew! I wish I was more of an active outdoorsy type but I just never was. However, since discovering yoga I do it every day (Sunday doesn't count lol!) for at least an hour and I absolutely love it. My body had improved dramatically since taking it up. And when I did my yoga teacher training last year, I felt amazing. I'm hoping to start teaching within the next month so hopefully that'll mean I'll be even more active than usual ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs from a lovely and sunny Algarve
Suzy xxx
www.suzyturner.com
That's great that you get so much walking in! I really try to make time for a quick walk during the day at work but sometimes the day just gets away from me... makes such a difference when I'm able to though!
ReplyDeleteIt s good for your body and mind!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Tuesday Talk. XOXO I'm totally going to look into that stepper after reading your review! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJust added that stepper to my amazon wish list and I think I'm going to ask B to get it for me for my birthday!
ReplyDeleteYup, you definitely have to step up your exercise game in your 40s... I also love my Fitbit and try to get as many steps as possible. Sadly, my Flex is about to die I think and doesn't hold a charge very well; I think it's time to get a new one. I love your little stepper! I may have to get one!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Where was the stepper when I bought my elliptical!? I need one, like STAT.
ReplyDeleteI so agree. The closer I get to 40, the more I notice my metabolism slowing down. Ugh.
Thanks for the inspiration. I needed this. Especially after reading a post about brownies. Haha!
Excellent post! I admire a gal who can stick with any kind of exercise. The older I get, the less I WANT to move and the more I SHOULD move. The weather has turned nice here so we are walking outdoors again. I put the stepper on my wish list on Amazon. Do you use the straps? Love the Richard Simmons picture! xoxo
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational post, Andrea. The next couple of days are suppose to be in the 50's so I am going to get my big fat rearend outside for a nice long walk. Have a wonderful week. You look great, btw.
ReplyDeleteJust added that stepper to my cart on Amazon! Always looking for easy way to add in a quick workout... could even use that while brushing my teeth!
ReplyDeleteYES! I'm with you on loving my Fitbit! It's amazing how much motivation you get from competing with people for steps!
ReplyDeleteVEry nice post to do a little bit sport!!!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CASUAL CHIC LOOK | JEANS, MAXI COAT AND VELVET
DON'T MISS: CHLOE LOVE STORY
Thanks for the motivation! I am also competitive, so the step challenges on the fitbit are made for me ;-) I should look into one of those steppers, that would be handy to do while catching up on a show or two and looks like it wouldn't be noisy. Thanks as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I've been sick most of the month and have had a hard time getting back into working out. A small workout tool like that stepper you have would be perfect for days when the kids are sick, or I just can't get out with the baby.
ReplyDeleteLookin great my friend! I like walking too when it is nice out. My treadmill conked out, so I am in the market for a new one, as I am not a fsn of walking in freezing temps! I love the plank pic, I know what you mean! and I like that last pic too!
ReplyDeletejess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com