Skip to content
  • Get to know us
  • The Build
  • Our Story
  • Get in touch
  • Resources
clear

The Dream Home We Built

GET TO KNOW US

THE BUILD

OUR STORY

Lifestyle

Embracing strength training in my forties

Leave a Comment on Embracing strength training in my forties
,
June 30, 2021July 1, 2021
I’m now a lifter!
Running the London marathon has been on my bucket list for a long time, yet every time I went out running I have to admit I hated it.  I’d download the Couch to 5k app and would enjoy Michael Johnson’s voice telling me I was doing well but each step felt blooming hard.   But no pain, no gain right?  Year after year you’d sporadically find me going for a run, I even did a half marathon before having my kids, yet comfortably the most I would run would be about 2 miles.

The Dream Vs Reality

Every day I would have this inner battle in my head where I’d be angry with myself for letting another day pass without going for a run.  In my head I’d tell myself I could smash an online workout but my heart was never in it.  I had no motivation whatsoever to go for a run most days, come rain or shine.  It felt as if everyone around me was running.  I wanted to join in, I wanted to wear the Sweaty Betty leggings and glow and feel virtuous from smashing 10k on a Sunday.  Yet somehow I never transcended to that place of running and loving the pavement pounding.
 
The marathon goal I realised was because I liked the thought of achieving something truly amazing.    Yet I’d be internally conflicted as I’d really want to run but never, ever found it enjoyable. Maybe I should have persevered and perhaps a break through nirvana moment may have occured ?   Instead I turned to weight training.  At school I’d played on the school hockey and netball teams and I loved shows like ‘Strong’ on Netflix.  Tikitok was also filling my feed with clips of women hitting the gym and transforming themselves through strength training.   I loved seeing normal looking women flipping tractor tyres and lifting weights, toning up and getting strong.

Moving On 

Knowing I needed motivation I asked for recommendations for good weights IG accounts to follow and received quite a few, as well as some good PT suggestions.  I went to my first session and loved it and I’ve felt the same consistently at each session since.  You’ll probably know the saying, ‘no one regrets a workout’.  It’s true.
 
There are two things for me with exercise that I find pretty key, controlling my breathing and my mind.  If I’m having a bad day or in low mood then my weights are harder to lift.  A little self belief and a surge of positivity and those barbells can shoot up over my head,  It was that negative voice that hampered my running and told me to walk, not run, yet with weights I hear it yelling in my ear ‘Come on you’ve got this‘.

Early Days

I’ve been weight training with a PT for nine weeks now and I honestly say its been transformative for me.   Whilst my body is slowly changing, it’s the positive mental feeling of taking control of my aging that I welcome.  Losing muscle mass and hedging towards peri-menopause my desire to remain healthy is huge.    By lifting weights I’m building lean muscle.  Unlike men, women typically don’t bulk up or gain size from weights, this is due to the levels of testosterone we have compared to men.       I’m pleased that the exercise I’m doing is also increasing my bone density.   This coupled with a decent intake of calcium is helping me fight off osteoporosis later down the line.
 
Sure it’s early days but you have to start somewhere and find something you enjoy.  Seven weeks in and Joe my PT decided to weigh me and compare this to my starting weight.   Firstly to be clear, my weight on the scales doesn’t bother me too much but it would be a benefit to drop a good half a stone – I’ve put on double that in the past 10 years.   Hopping off the scales Joe shared I’d put on 4Ibs.    I’m ok with that, its likely to be muscle – not fat and he’d always told me this was likely to happen.   Although my intake of fig rolls probably doesn’t help…….
 
Nine months ago I had an in depth BUPA medical. I was surprised after doing a basic movement the Physician could see that my core wasn’t as strong as it should be for a woman my age.  Yes, I’ve had twins by cesarean but had always kidded myself I was in reasonable shape.   The reality of my fitness only being average has also been a real motivator to exercise. I want a strong core.  I’ve made the gym trips a twice weekly thing.  Once I’m in to more of a routine with work I’m going to try and fit in a swim in the week too.
 
If you’re interested in strength training I’d encourage you to have at least one session with a PT.  They’ll be able to show you how to lift properly, you want to avoid injury and understand what you’re doing.  Start with a light weight and work on lifting in three sets of 10.  Slowly you can incrementally increase how much you are lifting.   Focus on your form rather than the heaviness of the weight.
 
I’m loving it and it has the added bonus that I get to wear my running shoes which had been gathering dust in the shoe cupboard!
 
exercise, fitness, strength training, Weights
By:thedreamhomewebuilt

Hi, I'm thedreamhomewebuilt

Post navigation

Previous postChristmas Week Activities With Kids
Next postNavigating the world of Senior Schools (during a pandemic!)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow me

Facebook
instagram
pinterest

What inspires me

  • Kendall Charcoal Benjamin Moore Kitchen Kendall Charcoal HC-166 by Benjamin Moore Kendal Charcoall Benjamin Moore Kitchen paint color #KendallCharcoalBenjaminMoore #BenjaminMoore #Kitchen
  • Office Progress Update - Little Wood Renovations
  • velvet sofas and panelled walls are very 2018
  • Pheasant Wallpaper Punchy Pink
  • Trombe - Internal photo of a dining room extension in London. It incorporates a structurally glazed roof supported on laminated glass fins and beams. The extension has minimal frame sliding doors to maximise the views to a picturesque garden. The glass has heat mirror technology to provide a comfortable internal environment.
  • Brass Light Fixtures (on any budget!) $100-$250
  • #architecture #details
  • 30's Style Solid Oak Door #1930's #OneOverThree #ArtDeco http://www.ukoakdoors.co.uk/internal-doors/internal-doors-by-style/1930-s-doors/1930s-style-solid-oak-door.html
Follow Me on Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Milestone Birthday Bucket List Time…
  • 5 Podcasts To Listen To In The Car
  • Our Utility Room – Before & After
  • Ikea Frame Hack | Getting a Hotel Vibe In Our Bedroom
  • Getting our home AirBnB ready

Recent Comments

  • Anna on Milestone Birthday Bucket List Time…
  • thedreamhomewebuilt on 2021 and my hopes for 2022
  • Sue on 2021 and my hopes for 2022
  • thedreamhomewebuilt on Guest Post : Katy | Life at Number Five
  • Mikela Upton on Guest Post : Katy | Life at Number Five

Categories

  • Garden
  • Interiors
  • Lifestyle
  • Parenting
  • Renovation
  • Travel
  • Twins
  • Uncategorized
  • Workshop

Instagram

Stop scratching your head when someone asks you wh Stop scratching your head when someone asks you what you want for your birthday.  All this year I've kept a note on my phone of lovely things when I've seen them shared on instagram or read about them in a magazine, so up on my blog today are a whole heap of ideas that'll help if you've got a birthday coming up or if you've got to buy for someone like you (and me). Full of mainly independent retailers to help us shop a bit smaller, this gift list is packed full of lovely treats to act as inspiration if you need it.  No affiliate links, all just ideas. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I hope its helpful?  Have a lovely week (yes it is Tuesday not Monday but it feels like Monday!). (Link in bio).
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#ontheblog #bloggersofinstagram #presentideas #40plusblogs #newblogpost #perfectpresents #girlswhoblog #lifestyleblog giftguide #shopsmall #blogandbeyond  #supportsmall  #uketsysellers  #presentinspiration  #giftsforher #girliegifts #over40 #presentideas
Neptune Home has to be my favourite interiors sho Neptune  Home has to be my favourite interiors shop for it's real simplistic country feel, you'll no doubt recognise the heavy pot on my coffee table as the Neptune Hanley.  It's got a lovely rough finish and is a real chunky fella.  Second behind Neptune has to be H & M home, it's a good job there isn't one in Bristol as I'd be in there alot.  They makes the current interior trends so accessible⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I want my home to have a clean, neutral yet stylish and cosy feel.  I'm pretty happy with this downstairs but am going back to the drawing board with our bedroom.  It's not how I want it and so that and our fourth bedroom are on my project list.  My inspiration are the Soho House bedrooms.  You know roll top bath and gorgeous decor.... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#decorglamsquad #greydecor #decorinterior #loungegoals #beautifulinstahomes #livingroom #livingroomdecor #cornerofmyhome #neptunehome #sassyhomestyle #homeaccount #mybristolhome #woodsandwhites #myhomedownsouth #lovemyrenovation #interior12follow #neutralinteriors #greathomestaketime #stopandstaredecor #microinfluencer #coffeetable #neptunehome #homeinfluencer #makingahouseahome
My extra long weekend starts now as Fridays are my My extra long weekend starts now as Fridays are my non-working day.  Currently suffering from Clinomania /cli·​no·​ma·nia/ (n.) The excessive desire to stay in bed.  A lie in tomorrow and then I’m back to the gym. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Wishing you all a lovely long weekend when you get there..... This sunshine is just such a joy isn't it, of course I didn't see it coming and ended up wearing this jumper and roasting all day!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bankholiday #longweekend #lazyweekend #womenover40 #over40style #midlifewomen #over40andfabulous #over40women #strongwomen #loveyourself #styleatanyage #confidentwomen #40pluswomen #40something #yougotthis #thecaptionclub #chattycaptioncommunity #reallifeandstyle #shinyhappybloggers #discoverunder10k #feelfreefeed #microinfluencer
The space under the stairs..... my Made.com yellow The space under the stairs..... my Made.com yellow chair finally came downstairs from the bedroom upstairs to his new home.  We've had a busy weekend but today got to kick back with some family in the garden, roast dinner and sunshine and it felt great.  Kids have squabbled like Tom & Jerry today (and every day of the holidays) but I tell myself that is standard sibling behaviour.  Is it bonkers that I often think about their wedding days and imagine them fondly talking about each other in their respective wedding speeches, laughing at what sods they were to each other as kids..... only time will tell eh?  Do you remember if you argued loads with your bro/sis? Mine are alot older than me so I didn't have anyone to argue with but am sure I'd annoyed them when they were around....... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#hallway #homedetails #1960shouse #charminghomes #homeswithstyle #bristol #mybristolhome #homesweethome #underthestairs #readingnook #homeaccount #homeinterioruk #nestandflourish #arguingkids #ukgorgeoushomes #ukhomeinspo  #yellowchair #madedotcom #heyhomehey #peepmypad #realinstahomes #homestylinginspo #floortiles #mystylishspace #ihavethisthingwithtiles #hallwaydecor #hallwayinspo #hallwaydesign
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
Facebook
instagram
pinterest
chloe theme

Copyright 2018 © The Dream Home We Built

Website by The Wonky Agency