33 Comments
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Stuatude's avatar

Great article and info. Inspired me to bring back routines I did when working out with a trainer a couple of years ago-kitchen scale, tracking, heavy weights, protein and consistency! It works and this motivated me to get back to it on my own. Will definitely check out the apps you recommended-TY!

glicia carence's avatar

Thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear the article resonated with you and that you found something useful in it. It means a lot, honestly. Strength training was such a game-changer for me, and those tools I mentioned help take the guesswork out so I can focus on what really matters.

Rational Wellness's avatar

Love this — really solid info! I’m building a page called Rational Wellness where we talk physiology, wellness, and practical habits. If that vibe fits you, please come check it out, thanks!

Adam George's avatar

The shift from exercising to be smaller to exercising to be stronger really stood out to me. As I get older, I’m finding strength means something different too — less about what I can lift in the gym and more about still being able to carry things, climb stairs, get off the floor and do ordinary things easily years from now. Amazing how much our reason for exercising can change with age.

glicia carence's avatar

it took me a long time to realize that what really matters is being able to live my life to the fullest years from now. but i’m so glad i made that shift, because i’m more motivated to train now than i’ve ever been.

Fiona-Anne Christine's avatar

I love reading about women who have their s*** together. Ditching the pink weights, not being scared to lift heavy. Getting out and about! The macros. The wholefoods. Enjoying life. I'm 32 and I have two kids. I refused to settle for a frumpy body and I don't want to cover my bottom at the pool during summer. I'm still working on my mum butt. I love when women share their approach to fitness, I think it's super inspiring. Can't wait to read more!

Wildland Life's avatar

I will be 39 in a few months and I am on my way to be in he best shape I have ever been in. I resonate with everything you have said. The hardest factor for me is food, I homeschool my children and make 3 meals a day for my family and its so hard for me to even spend the time thinking let alone preparing meals. I have more muscle than I ever have I just have to get my diet right!! Thank you so much for sharing, it was inspirational and the boost I needed to keep going.

glicia carence's avatar

this is so inspiring to read, thank you ❤️ the food challenge is real, especially when you're already in the kitchen all day for everyone else. the fact that you've built muscle while juggling all of that says everything about your consistency. you've got this.

PlantFit Gardens's avatar

This is a great article with SOLID advice. Tracking workouts is a MUST! I've been doing it since my 20s. Still doing it at 41. Eating enough food... Yes, girl!!! That has been a battle more than once. I keep reminding myself of MY goals, not societal standards.

glicia carence's avatar

Thank you for reading! I'm really happy to hear the article resonated with you ❤️

Susan B's avatar

thanks very much for all you work and research on this topic.

glicia carence's avatar

You're welcome, thank you for reading! I'm really happy to hear the article resonated with you and that you found something useful in it ❤️

Good City Guides's avatar

Thanks for this great article! What are your thoughts and experiences on alcohol?

glicia carence's avatar

I stopped drinking alcohol a few years ago. My main motivation was my performance and the results I was looking for at the time with my training, but eventually I decided it just didn't make sense for me anymore. From a more scientific perspective, research has shown that alcohol can decrease muscle protein synthesis, lower testosterone levels, and raise cortisol. That said, if you enjoy a glass of wine on a Friday night and it doesn't interfere with how you feel, I don't think it will have a huge impact on your training.

Alana's avatar

This is such a timely article for me. At 40, I returned to lifting after 10 years away. In just four weeks, I'm BUILDING. Thank you for sharing your journey!

glicia carence's avatar

Hi Alana! I’m so happy to hear that you’re back at lifting and already seeing results ❤️

40 Square Feet's avatar

Few years left of my forties and Ive finally got in a groove with my fitness programme, weights, yoga, running and loads of walking. Shouldnt have neglected it for the past 10 years, but here I am, the only way is up

glicia carence's avatar

The most important thing is that you’re back, and I’m really happy for you! You’ve got this! 💪🏻

40 Square Feet's avatar

Thank you!

Kathleen | The Reading Rebel's avatar

Love this! I’m just starting a similar journey at 44. Thanks for sharing!

glicia carence's avatar

Hi Kathleen, thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear the article resonated with you and that you found something useful in it. It means a lot, honestly. There’s something so powerful about women choosing to invest in their health, especially in their forties and beyond. I hope strength training becomes as much of a game-changer for you as it has been for me.

So Here’s The Thing x's avatar

Saving this! Just turned 40 🙋🏽‍♀️

Life Begins at 58's avatar

Thanks. This is a really good , well-written article and totally resonates with me. My journey has been fairly similar, later in life.

glicia carence's avatar

Thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear the article resonated with you and that you found useful information in it ❤️

Jo's avatar

So glad I found your article today Glicia . This is something that has been playing on my mind over the few weeks since turning 41 and this last week I have been trying to plan how I can make the necessary changes in my lifestyle to build a healthier body. I’ve made so many notes and subscribed immediately, thank you so much for everything you shared ☺️❤️

glicia carence's avatar

Hi Jo, thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear the article resonated with you and that you found useful information in it ❤️ Honestly, the hardest part is learning to trust the process but if you stay consistent, the results will follow. As I mentioned in the article, I was sedentary for most of my life. Once I started following a structured plan, though, everything became easier.

Laura Peruchi's avatar

OMG, this hits home so hard. No one in family was doing sports, always being the last one picked for the sports school activities… ugh! Thanks for putting this together, this is soooo precious. I was sleeping on the progressive overload until a month ago. Now, I’m tracking everything!

glicia carence's avatar

i swear, when i started tracking the weights for each training session, i started to see more progress. game-changer!

Laura Peruchi's avatar

Ok, you have me hope 😂

Waqar Ahsan's avatar

Amazing article. Your take on stop following random Instagram workouts and understanding how the body really works is the best thing one can for their body. Looking forward to reading more stuff more from you.