Written by Jennifer Van Barneveld-Pe, President of STRONG Fitness Magazine
Photography by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra
Once we get into our 40s, life goals change. We’re not just shaping our bodies, we’re building strength for life’s bigger roles and challenges, one of those challenges being caring for our aging parents.
So this begs the question, how are we training and is it enabling us to care for our parents as they age? Is it conducive to that? If not, why not? We’re preparing for life at this point, to always be ready to overcome obstacles.
1. Strength, For More Than Looks
Our fitness is our tool to lift, carry, and be the rock for our families. It’s about being as strong in body as we are in heart. So lift heavy and often, not just for your bones, muscles, ligaments, heart health, and overall health. Lift heavy things so you can lift, shift, or move your aging parent if needed.
2. Resilience, To Power Through
Total fitness equals resilience, and clarity. Beyond physical strength, our workouts sharpen our minds and build endurance for life’s challenges, keeping us ready and resilient to face the inevitable ups and downs.
"How are we training, and is it enabling us
to care for our parents as they age?"
3. Energy, To Do It All
A balanced diet fuels our strength and energy, making us powerhouses of caregiving. So how you fuel your body is important. Are you getting a balanced amount of each macro—carbs, fats and protein?
4. Consistency, To Create A Solid Foundation
Prioritize ways to stay active daily. A quick workout, a walk, or even stretching counts towards building that strength reserve. Little incremental changes daily are what really build up and make a difference. Nothing grandiose. Nothing sexy. It’ll be those daily habits that create a solid foundation of strength to stand on.
5. Mindset, To Stay Positive
Fitness is a stress buster, mood lifter, and vital for our emotional well being as we support our loved ones. So keep those endorphins coming.
Reach these tenets of how to reframe training in your 40s and well beyond. And you’ll be set for a life of not only enjoyment and pleasure, but the joy and peace that comes with being able to help someone you love, when the time comes.
