Looking back on one of my favorite posts from 2016 today. Hope you will take a moment to check it out.
Recently while looking at the women in my Moms Run This Town group, I realized that not only do we come in all shapes and sizes but we also have quite an age range among us. I began wondering how women’s views on fitness change as they age. With women in their 20’s and women into their late 50’s, I find it so interesting that there are many common themes as well as differing perspectives among us.
I’ve taken some snapshots from women at different stages in their lives to look at how our ideas of fitness change as we age. Hope you find this as interesting as I have. Thanks to a few of my friends for offering up their thoughts. I’ve split this series into 2 parts as I had so much I wanted to share!
Women’s fitness in our 20’s
What does fitness mean to you in your 20’s?
Meet Anastasia, in late 20’s. As a college lacrosse player, she describes weight training and running as “necessary evils” that kept her on top of her game. After letting her fitness slack when entering the work force, she let her fitness level go and gained 30 pounds. Wanting to make a lifestyle change she began running and eating healthier. She “fell in love with fitness” and thrill of “pushing her body to new limits”. She ran her first half and full marathon.
How did motherhood change your ideas of fitness?
As a new mom, exercise was a way to relieve the stresses every new mom has. She took advantage of her baby’s nap times to get her workouts in at home and make fitness a priority. Anastasia joined MRTT and credits her runs with the group for helping her get back to a half marathon 6 months after having her baby. She feels she is in better shape now than she was as a college athlete. “Being fit gives me the energy to chase around my toddler, even after a long day at work, and gives me a constructive outlet for my competitive nature”.
How do you think fitness might change for you in 10 years?
“I think my view of fitness will have to evolve as I recognize that PRs probably aren’t in the cards. I’m probably not going to be able to lift more than I do now, and I probably won’t be more flexible than I am now. But that doesn’t mean fitness won’t still be a fun part of my life and it doesn’t mean I still won’t want to strive to be as fit as I possibly can be. I hope my love for fitness and my fitness pals is still this strong as I enter my 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond!”
Women’s fitness in our 30’s
Meet Sarah S and Sarah R both MRTT running mamas with 2 young children each.
What does fitness mean to you in your 30’s?
Sarah S: “Setting a good example or my kids, looking good, and hopefully keeping better fitness now so that I can be happier and healthier as I get older. My fitness routine has become my social outlet as well. I meet my friends for runs or yoga or to lift at the gym. It’s productive and fun.”
Sarah R: “It’s more about being healthy than looking good (like in my earlier days) but looking good is still a motivator. I want fitness to be a regular part of my life like eating vegetables.”
How has fitness changed for you since becoming a mom?
Sarah S: “It has become much more important. I was not nearly this active in my teens and twenties after not playing sports in high school. It helps with my stress level and is a great “me” time excuse”.
Sarah R: “The struggle is real! I just want my abs back. I can’t believe I ever thought my tummy was flabby before having kids”.
How do you think fitness might change for you in 10 years?
Sarah R: “I hope I continue to embrace the desire to be healthy over the more superficial wanting to look good. I want fitness to be a regular part of my life and to pass this mindset off to my kids”.
Sarah S: “I think it will stay the same. I am hoping that maybe I’ll be able to include my kids in my fitness more as they get older”.
If you would like to read part 2 of my series on Ageless Fitness: Women’s views on fitness as they age you can find it here. Thanks!
Tell me-What does fitness mean to you now at your age?
linking up with AnnMarie, Nicole, Jen and Michelle
Coaches Corner: Suz, Deb, Lora, rachel
What a great idea! I’m in the 30’s group with two young kids, and I think I’m still trying to come to grips with a new definition of fitness. Hopefully as my kids get older (and the weather gets warmer!), I’ll be able to set new goals, but for right now I’m trying to accept where I am! Thanks for posting this and linking up!
I found fitness got easier as my kids grew up but also more challenging because I am older.
Seems like they all have a positive outlook, what more could you ask for?! Great post thanks for sharing!
they do! It was interesting to look at their different views
Such an interesting topic! Fitness right now means health and stress relief. It’s a way to keep balance in my life.
It is a great way to keep balance in your life.
I love this!!! I am in my early 30’s and use exercise as my “me time” and hope that I am setting a good example for my kids!
I absolutely think you are!
Really interesting thoughts on fitness. I’m in my late 30s and I agree with the Sarahs. Fitness wasn’t as important to me when I was in my 20s but my main motivator with it now is to be able to continue to be healthy and happy as I age.
It is interesting how most of us became more interested in fitness in our 30’s. Thanks for sharing!
I can tell you that the big change really came in my 50s. Of course, time changed things, such as old injuries, my hysterectomy, etc., but I found that as I became slower, I also started to enjoy the act of running more. I no longer stress over my time (well, not too much), but enjoy just being out there. And, while I want to be fit and trim, fitness really does become more about how it makes you feel and how it can help you with real life, rather than how it makes you look or getting a 6-pack. Great series! I’m looking forward to part 2!
I totally agree with lots of your thoughts. I feel that I am not as concerned with times and really just love the act of running and enjoying being out there and doing active things. Thanks for sharing!
What a great post. I can completely see how your motivation, idea and goals change for fitness as you age. They have certainly already changed for me.
I find it so interesting too!
So funny that Sarah S has the same name and views as me… it was like wait when did you ask me that?
I have to say my views have evolved and changed over the years and in the last year alone so much! The biggest thing while some viewed it as me letting go at times or pushing to hard I just adapt and maybe my focus changes. Knowing what I know now and looking back, with injuries, trying different workouts, ect I have noticed a few things.
-While I don’t like to run I do and it is more for the social aspect and I’m loving running even more now running with my husband so I’m doing a whole lot more of that and it all started with a little 1.5 mile run in the snow earlier this year.
– I hated yoga, I found Piyo almost 2 years ago and loved it and loved how I felt and followed the Piyo program while in Ireland because I couldn’t bring weights and it was forcing me to do something different but I found out so much about myself and love it and miss it. Getting back home I’m back into my HIIT, Cize, and strength not only because I like it but I’ve always felt like I get a good workout and that is what I NEED do to.
– I can’t balance it all I can’t do multiple workouts in a day trying to get it all in, I need to give and take and do what works for me. With that I’m letting go of doing what I think I NEED to do and doing what I love and what I think my whole body (mind, body, and soul) need. I need to let go of how I look and focus on how I feel and I can’t let how I look affect how I feel, my body is changing and while I’m not giving up I need to realize that being closer to 40 than 30 or 20 my body just won’t look like that because my body is changing and being fit is not just about a look but now more about how I feel.
– So with the shift in focus I’ve dropped my strength to 3 days a week, will run with my husband and if I can’t get my run in I will do HIIT or CIZE or just for fun here or there but not over do it. If I feel I need that HIIT or CIZE I will do it on a low or slow run day or skip running and do the it instead. Than also adding in more Piyo/yoga as much as I need and can, for sure adding in 1 recovery day a week. With an upcoming trip I plan on taking a break and just hiking with the hubby and a run here or there but during my week of what should be rest and relaxation trying to get in some more yoga and mental exercise and catching up on some reading. We’ll see how well that goes. Haha!
No we can’t do it all and finding balance with fitness is key. I’m glad that you get to run with your husband sometimes that’s a really great way to spend time together.
Great idea!! So interesting. Exercise was something I always hated until I became a runner. Running to me now means time to meditate, living every day to the fullest, feeling confident and empowered…. I could go on and on and on:)
Isn’t funny the way that something so simple as running can really transform your life?!
Very interesting! I must be in the part 2 section 🙂 Can’t wait to see what they say! I am planning on rocking the 50’s!!!!
You and me both! You are on a great path to that already. Part 2 is coming Friday can’t wait to hear what you think
Despite weighing a little more now that I’m in my 40’s, I’m in pretty good shape and eat better than I ever have before. Now if I could just get rid of that belly flab! LOL
I feel like my 40’s were the turning point and feel more in shape than I was in my 30’s. Ah abs are over rated 🙂
I agree with the 30’s group, i’m all about fitness for health and to set (and be healthy) for my son 😉
Yes it’s definitely a great motivator for me as well. Thanks for stopping by today
What an awesome idea for a post! I know fitness has changed for me over the past 10 years. I used to think it was a chore and now I’ve really learned to love it.
Funny how that happens isn’t it?!
I wrote a post about this a few weeks ago–how the definition of wellness has changed for me over the years. It’s been a really interesting journey! I like what I’m doing now the best!
You know I think I do as well! Funny how things change
I really resonate with two of the points above – using fitness as a way to relieve new mom stress, as well as to set a good example for my little one. I had my first baby 11 months ago so both of those are really fresh in my mind right now!
That’s great and thanks for sharing!
This is a really cool series, I found myself wanting to read more! I’m in the last year of my 20’s, and it’s funny…I think of fitness as a way to be strong and confident. I love exercising and hope that I can stay committed to it as I reach my 30’s and beyond.
I am so glad you enjoyed reading it I really enjoyed talking with them all about it.
I love this post! Fitness and health and our ideas and perspectives on them change so much as we age, and with the changes in priorities as we age, our families grown and change.
Yes exactly! It was really a fun and interesting article to write.
I agree that fitness has become more about health than appearances (although I am still vain enough to admit that I want to look good). Very interesting post Deborah!
We all want to look good lol but our priorities change a bit once we have kids I think
can’t wait to read part two of this series – love the idea! 🙂
Thanks so much it was a fun one to do!
I’m gonna be interested to see what women say as they get nearer my own age!
I’m not sure I even really remember what I thought about fitness when I was that young . . . but I do remember how my focus switched from looking good to feeling good (although looking good is a nice side benefit!).
Looking good is always a nice benefit but feeling good is key as we age isn’t it?! part 2 coming on Friday 🙂
Loved this post idea!
It’s so true, our goals our mindset change from decade to decade. Heck sometimes even year to year.
I will admit I think I took it a little more for granted back in my early 20’s, but as I got older I also started training smarter (well most the time, LOL)
Sometimes it would be nice to take the athletic ability at age 20, and mix it with our mentality at age 30+, I think I’d be an Olympian then, LOL LOL
Oh yeah I wish I could combine those too! I am smarter now most of the time anyways 🙂
Felt the same way as Anastasia. I was also a college lacrosse player, and our weight lifting program wasn’t doing anything for me. We had to lift as a team, but it didn’t work for my body. I had to lift on my own to get results.
So interesting I guess that’s a common issue! Thanks for stopping by today 🙂
I completely agree with Anastasia. Exercise is my escape from the stresses that being a new mother brings. I often look forward to when I’m able to escape the house for a bit to run, or when I’m able to do a Baby Strong workout at home with my little man. Exercising is a great way to feel a bit like my “old” self.
It definitely is! It gets easier as they get older and you will start to feel like your old self (then have another baby lol )
I totally remember slacking off in my 20’s and thinking fitness would be something I’d get more serious about “when I had to”. Haha! Thankfully I eventually did. Interesting post.
It’s funny how that happens huh? I wish I had started running back in my 20’s
I’m kind of surprised that Anastasia doesn’t think she’ll get better as she ages. It seems like she’s where she will be for the rest of her life. Wish I could change that! I feel like I get healthier, faster and stronger every year that goes by! I’m hitting 40 this year and I KNOW I can get faster and stronger in the years to come!
I think it’s interesting but being 10 years older than she is you have a different perspective. I think as our kids get older we get back some more me time to work on our own fitness again. I think you can see that light at the end of the tunnel already?
What a great post idea Deborah and I can’t wait to see part 2! I think for me today, fitness makes me feel good. You just can’t get this feeling from a pill. Yes I’m aging and things are not what they use to be. Many things heading South. While I do care about all of those things, if that was the only thing I was concerned with I don’t think I’d still be doing what I am. Fitness for me is a way of life, it keeps me healthy, sane and it makes me feel great!
I agree with you it is a way of life for me that makes me feel amazing! I am still trying to fight that aging process though
It was interesting looking into their views on fitness across different ages–I like asking my patients about it too and I get rather varied responses across the age spectrum as well!
Oh, I love this! Can’t wait for the sequel! Fitness was foreign to me in my early 20s, a necessary evil in my early 30s and a passion in my 40s.
It’s funny how lots of women did not get passionate about their fitness until later on. Part 2 coming on Friday
This is such an interesting topic! Fitness is closely tied to motherhood! I am in my late 50s now and I have changed the way I stay fit, adjusting to the very challenges prompted by the changes in my body. I have no shame in saying that hot flashes and night sweats made me so angry that I made the decision to change the way I stay fit. I did and MRTT gave me that opportunity and support.. and it is not over yet!
No far from over! You’ve really come a long way the last few years.Thanks for stopping by today I really appreciate your support and your friendship.
When I was younger I wanted to PR and keep getting faster. Now that I am a bit older I realized that I am not going to continue to PR and that is ok. I run bc I enjoy it. Not to prove anything to anyone or even myself. Since doing this, I no longer put presure on myself.
I did let running put pressure onto myself when I first started but I now realize my faster days are over and I am just happy to be able to run. I think of fitness in a broader sense too now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I remember turning 30 and thinking, ” Now is the time for change.” Knowing that as you get older, the weight will be harder to lose. I did Atkins, lost 30 pounds, walked a few days a week with my neighbor and did pilates. I even dabbled in running. I was getting into great shape (even saw part of a sick pack forming)! Then I burned out and gained all the weight back plus some. Then rock bottom happened at 35. That is when this lifestyle change happened. I may still struggle with weight now and then but I am not self loathing. I think that is the biggest change. Now that I am 40, I am happier then I have ever been with myself. I am flexible and strong. I have good days and bad. But I recognize then now and move on. Life is to short eat grass and to chase flat abs. My biggest gift is that my daughter likes running, working out and eating healthy now too!
You are so right! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. I am much happier now in my 40’s as well. Thanks for sharing!
I am mid-30s now and I find it very different than in my 20s. Things are a bit more sore, but I love it and know it is the way to age healthy.
I also find some things are harder as we age but lots of things get easier too as our kids become more self sufficient.
Great post – look forward to part 2! Now that I’m firmly planted in my 40s fitness means much more than when I was younger. In my 20s and even early 30s it was all about staying trim and looking good. Now it’s about being strong, and healthy. I feel like I can do so much more now than I could a decade or so ago.
I totally agree! Feeling strong and healthy has become more important to me as well. part 2 is tomorrow hope you check it out!
Love this idea! I think you’ve inspired me to go back and look at what fitness meant to ME at different ages.
I’m 32 with a young child, so fitness is less about aesthetics and more about feeling good to give my son the attention and care he deserves. I also want tone an example to him – I hope by watching mommy workout in the living room or run races, he will choose ro be active early on.
I think being active and taking care of yourself absolutely teaches your children that it is an important value. Thanks for chiming in today!
Yeah to mom’s over 4o!!!
Great interview. I love this!!
Thanks so much it was fun to do
So fun! Popping over now to see what other women my age think!
I loved this series it was so interesting!
I love this comparison. And that quote about thinking her tummy was flabby before… I think that and I don’t have kids! Hahaha!
They can certainly do a number on the abs!
I love this–I’ve been running since my 30s, so I can really relate to every stage of running. My motivation for running has changed as I’ve aged. Now it’s all about running from old age!
Seriously! I hear you and thanks for re reading this one
I think each year my running goals have been changing. When I first started running I was hoping to get faster at each race/distance. Even though I have still been reaching PRs I can’t say that is really my goal. I run because I enjoy it, regardless of pace.
And that is the best reason of all to run isn’t it?!
I think this is so interesting! I know my views have certainly evolved over the years! Now I’m more concerned with the functional aspect of exercise and much less about how it makes me look. Great post.
Thanks I found it really interesting to read the responses from my friends at different ages
Fitness does really change with time and your point in life. Right now for me it’s a happy place and stress relief. When I started it was all about the next medal. Nothing wrong with either of those, but that’s where I’m at right now!
Yes definitely about stress relief and staying in shape for me
Ageless fitness to me means doing what you can when you can at every stage of your life. Staying active is so important but the form it takes definitely changes as we get older!
It sure does! I know I may not be able to do all the things one day but today is not that day
Ageless fitness to me means doing what you can when you can at every stage of your life. Staying active is so important but the form it takes definitely changes as we get older!! Thanks for this insightful post.
This was really interesting to read. I definitely know my motivation to stay fit has changed over the years. It used to be about looking good and now it’s more about my long term health and maintaining my mental health.
Yes I think there is a with age comes wisdom component to exercise and health. Thanks for reading!
I LOVE this post! I coach and run with women (and men) anywhere from their early 20s all the way up to 60s. There’s definitely an overarching common thread of health, fitness, and “me” time. Heading over to read part 2!
Thanks Rachel! I found it so interesting to see the different responses from all of my friends at different ages
Great post idea!
I love it when I am out on the trails and see women and men of all ages out enjoying and staying active. I can’t think of a better way to age than to be able to do something active that I love at any capacity!
All the ladies above have great attitudes and love life, and I think that says a lot about what qualities to have to be like that no matter your age!
Thanks so much I really enjoyed reading all of their responses as well.
LOVE this! I’m 37 and fitness to me right now is all about maintaining strength and endurance, so that I can do the things that I love, eat the foods that I want, and maintain a healthy and happy life. I want to be rocking until I am a old beautiful lady!
that is exactly the way that I feel! Thanks for sharing
I’m only 28 but my views on fitness have changed even just in the past 5 years! It used to be ALL about how I looked haha. Now I can really appreciate how working out makes me FEEL!
Yes absolutely!!
Great post! It is really interesting to see how fitness perspectives change as we age! For me, it’s also largely in part with how I feel, rather than how i look
Yes my attitude has shifted completely there as well. Thanks for sharing!
Gosh…fitness is crucial! I played volleyball in high school and that was it. I didn’t become a runner until my kids were in school, so although I’ve been running for almost 12 years, I’m still relatively “new” to the sport (given how many years of “doing nothing” I wasted LOL)
I know same here! So wish I had started running earlier in life too
This is such a cool concept! I love being able to see how each women’s focus and reason for living a healthy life with fitness included, and that it isn’t just about how someone looks on the outside. It’s so much bigger than that! 🙂
Absolutely! Thanks for reading
Great post. It is interesting to hear the views from different age groups. My perspective has stayed the same yet changed. It’s not a social outlet for me anymore that will take hour(s) out of my day. It’s something I’ve made a priority but know that I don’t need to spend more than 30 good minutes exercising a day.
Sounds like a healthy way to look at it. For me, running is still very social which really motivates me
I just turned 28 and fitness is a requirement in my life. I recently went 6 days without much physical activity at all, including no exercise, and it was brutal. My mind and body both need regular exercise and I love achieving that!
That’s exactly how I feel!
I remember you doing this post before. It’s definitely changed for me this past year becoming a mom – not like a completely change but a noticeable shift. Less emphasis on PRs and more emphasis on training to stay ready for life, motherhood, and being able to give my best.
motherhood most certainly changes the way you see everything!
I feel stronger now than ever! I think at 50 I don’t feel the guilt anymore about taking time for myself. Me first and I don’t feel bad about it one little bit! 🙂
I love that attitude!
I’ll be super interested to see part 2, since I am 51 and only started running competitively when I was 45–and “podiuming” (is that a word?) when I was in my late 40s. Set some PRs this year. I’m sure I’m an outlier in terms of my fitness views.
Happy New Year!
Well that is pretty impressive! I don’t see myself ever making it to a podium but who knows! Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed the second half as well
I remember your original post, and reading it again really reminds me about how much the meaning of fitness changes for us throughout our lives. Fitness has a completely different meaning to me than it did before the birth of my son.
Becoming a mom completely changes the way you see and approach everything doesn’t it?! Thanks for the reread
I love this!
I did not grow up in a house where physical fitness was a priority. It took a long time to fall into a groove, and now, at 39, I am all about staring active and fit for my health and to set the example for our son. It’s been such a difference and changed everything for me.
I love how you always include your son in all of your endeavors. You set such an amazing example.
At my age… and I am starting to feel it some days that is for sure, it takes me longer to recover so I need to be more careful in my approach. I am finding fuelling for my workouts is way more important too.
Yes I have found that fueling and recovery are so much more important now for me as well.
Thank you for this interesting post!
I’m 24 and believe it or not – I also do fitness because of my health. I want my body to be able to do everything also when i’m 50, 60 or 80. I want to live longer and be able to run with my grandchildren. It may sound a bit weird. But I’m thinking about a future and I want to do more than just sit on my couch. And I think it’s a great motivation 🙂
Thanks so much and that’s exactly the way that I feel! happy sweating
Thanks so much for sharing my post!