Just Start: Moving Your Body in Midlife
If you’re a midlife woman who knows the benefits of exercise but still finds it hard to get going, you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of women surveyed in a recent study said they lacked the motivation to move. And 42% of those women cited lack of time as a major barrier. Add menopausal symptoms like joint pain and fatigue, and it’s easy to see why so many of us put it off.
But what if we flipped the script? What if exercise didn’t have to be long, intense, or even structured? What if the key was to just start?
The Real Barriers to Exercise in Midlife
We’re told that exercise helps with everything from mental health to sleep to bone density. And we believe it. But life in midlife is often packed: work, family, caregiving, shifting hormones. And so even though we know we should be moving, it can feel like yet another thing on an already overwhelming list.
The truth? The standards are too high. You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy at the gym to feel better. You need to move in a way that feels doable and sustainable for you.
Micro-Movements That Matter
Start by stacking movement onto things you already do. Boiling the kettle? March in place. Brushing your teeth? Try five wall push-ups. These small bursts may seem insignificant, but they build consistency—and consistency is what builds motivation over time.
If you’re completely new to movement again, I suggest walking in water or doing low-impact exercise like Reformer Pilates. These are great for joint support and still offer strength benefits. You can even start with zero weights at the gym—just go through the motions until your body and brain feel safe doing more.
And yes, strength training is crucial for women in midlife. Research shows it helps preserve bone density, manage blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Read more on the benefits of strength training for aging women: NPR: Weight Training and Aging
A Personal Wake-Up Call
A year ago, I was 100 kilos, tired, sore, and unsure if I’d ever feel strong again. Despite my background as a personal trainer, I was stuck. But after a health scare and a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome, I took back control.
One of the biggest game-changers? Ordering my own blood tests through Instascripts. For $25, I could monitor my levels, track my progress, and advocate for myself in a medical system that often doesn’t take women’s concerns seriously.
Order your own blood tests with my discount code GPOBV2G: Instascripts
Making Movement Social (and Fun)
Accountability helps. Walk with a friend, meet up for Zumba, or join a local Parkrun. If it makes you laugh, if you connect with others, if you look forward to it—it counts. Exercise should lighten your load, not add to it.
Find a Parkrun near you: Parkrun Australia
And if you need a bit of inspiration, I highly recommend tuning in to Michelle Bridges. She’s in this stage of life too, and her podcast is worth a listen.
Michelle Bridges Podcast on Spotify: Listen here
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to feel motivated. You just have to start. One minute. One movement. One step. It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing something.
Listen to the full episode for my story, practical tips, and a whole lot of real talk:
Spotify: Episode 3 of the Midlife Energy Club Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xcM2izFWTgkHtiDc79qaF?si=BB4Bk_rIRVmMg16ANbxRyA
SEO Keywords to Optimize: