Top 6 Habits to Keep You Fit, Lean & Ageless

l

Written by: Maureen Kemeny

November 29, 2021

1. STRENGTH TRAINING

I started consistently strength training in my early 30’s and I’m happy I did. Over the years, I’ve found that the secret to staying consistent is to keep it simple. Strength train 2 times a week. Complete one exercise for each major body part. Start with a 5 to 10 minute warm-up and finish with a 5 minute cool-down.

45 minutes total is all you need, including your warm-up and cool-down. Click here and here for a couple of full body workout videos with instruction. As I age, my focus has changed. If you’re trying to figure out how YOU can stay lean and strong, and maintain your fitness as you age I would love to help you. Contact me HERE and together we’ll reach your fitness goals!

2. WATER

Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. I tacked this habit 20 years ago and it took me 6 months before I was able to consistently drink 2 liters a day. It may take you time as well, but it doesn’t matter. A year from now you’ll be happy you started.

3. EAT REAL FOOD

Eliminate the white stuff- sugar and wheat. Focus on foods with ingredients from the earth (without man made chemicals / ingredients) 80% of the time. This means that 20% of the time you can have foods that aren’t so healthy. The all or nothing way of thinking doesn’t work. It’s ok to enjoy unhealthy foods occasionally, as long as most of the time you focus on eating lots of vegetables, fruits and lean protein.

4. AEROBIC ACTIVITY

Participate in aerobic activities that you love – be in nature, outside, dance, hike, ski. Think of movement activities that brought you joy as a child. These are the activities that will keep you moving.

5. LIMIT TOXINS GOING IN YOUR BODY AND INTO YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Toxins are everywhere – in the foods we eat, in our skin care, and home cleaning products. Eat organic whenever possible. I use natural products for my skin and our home. I don’t use over the counter products, like anti-inflammatories, digestive aids or cough suppressants. Instead, I use plant based products (like turmeric) and allow nature’s power to help heal my body.

6. FOAM ROLLING

Foam rolling has added years to my endurance training. My knees used to hurt so much from osteo- arthritis and I resorted to knee injections to help with the pain. Now that I foam roll, I am able to run and bike pain free and no longer need to get injections. I can’t say enough about the benefits of foam rolling. I suggest you foam roll everyday, either first thing in the morning, before bed, before exercise or after exercise.

If you’re new to foam rolling, here’s a video I created to help you get started.

I would love to hear from you! Please share with us the habits that have made you healthier and happier.

More Great Tips

Your bone density has a lot to say about how you will age

Your bone density has a lot to say about how you will age

I recently went for a bone density test, my third one.  Even though I have consistently participated in weight bearing exercises and strength training for over 30 years, my most recent bone density (December 2022) results found that I have some osteopenia in my...

How Women 40+ Can Eat Fat To Lose Weight

No, this isn't a trick! You can - and should - eat fat to lose weight. For biological reasons, women are predisposed to gaining more weight than men. Moreover, as women age beyond 40, many hormone levels decline and this plays a role in weight gain. It may seem...

Reverse Aging with Smart Fitness

There is an abundance of research that shows that fitness helps reverse aging and turn back the clock both physically and mentally. Fitness after 40 is about much more than the vanity metrics we were concerned with when we were younger, like looking good in jeans....

Quick tips to improve your metabolism at 40+

Don't forget to subscribe!

Subscribe here to receive my weekly newsletter. Content varies, but is all health & wellness related. No spam. You'll receive exclusive advice ranging from recipes to tips on mindset shifts. Don't miss out!

Thank you! You have successfully subscribed. Check your inbox.