Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

Fitness Over 50: Movement That Meets You Where You Are

Hello and welcome to the Midlife Made Easier blog, a supportive space where midlife women prioritize their healing, reclaim their power, and build a life they love. This is your place to take charge of your well-being, find your voice, and feel seen, supported, and strong. Here, we shine a light on the unique health challenges women face in midlife with compassionate guidance, real-life strategies, and inspiration to help you thrive, not just survive.

✨ Free Resource for You: The Midlife Reboot Workbook,  a step-by-step guide to help you restore balance, rebuild energy, and create a sustainable plan for your mind and body.

Why Movement Matters More Than Ever After 50

We all know the truth: if we stop moving, we lose mobility, muscle mass, and cardiovascular strength. And when that happens, our risk for a long list of health issues, from diabetes to osteoporosis, increases dramatically.

But let’s be honest, when you hear the word “fitness,” your mind might immediately jump to burpees, sit-ups, or lifting weights heavier than a small car. And for many of us over 50, that sounds not just unappealing, but downright impossible.

The good news? Fitness doesn’t have to look like it did in your 20s or even your 40s. Movement at this stage of life is about finding what works for you, honoring your body, and building a plan you can actually enjoy and sustain.

My Story: From Runner to Starting Over

For years, I was a runner. I ran almost every day, two or three miles regularly, and more if I was training for a race. I even taught yoga classes and made walking part of my daily routine. Movement was my therapy, my joy, and my outlet.

Then menopause hit. The weight came on quickly, my joints ached, and everything started to feel harder. And then came the real blow: I fell. That one moment stopped me in my tracks. I stopped running, stopped teaching yoga, even stopped walking, the one activity that had always brought me peace.

And here’s the part I want you to hear: once you stop moving, starting again feels incredibly hard. But it is possible. Step by step, I found my way back to movement that fit my new body, my new life stage, and my new energy levels.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Workouts Don’t Work

Scroll through Instagram or YouTube, and you’ll find endless workout routines promising quick fixes. But many of these are designed by 25-year-old influencers whose bodies, hormones, and energy levels are vastly different from ours in midlife.

That doesn’t mean those workouts are “bad,” but they may not be the right fit for your needs. What we need after 50 is movement that:

  • Protects joints instead of punishing them
  • Strengthens muscles to support bone health
  • Improves balance and mobility
  • Boosts mood and reduces stress hormones
  • Fits into your daily life without burning you out

How to Build Your Movement Plan

1. Define Your Goal

Ask yourself: What do I really want right now? Is it weight loss? Gaining strength? Improving flexibility? Or maybe it’s simply feeling more energized during the day. Knowing your goal helps you pick the right type of movement.

2. Choose Sustainable Activities

If you hate running, don’t force yourself to run. Try walking, yoga, swimming, cycling, or strength training with light weights. The “best” workout is the one you’ll actually do consistently.

3. Start Small and Progress Slowly

Don’t go from zero to 100 burpees. Start with 10 minutes of walking or gentle stretching. Over time, add minutes, increase resistance, or explore new classes. Small, steady steps add up.

4. Listen to Your Body

Pain is a signal, not a challenge. If something feels wrong, modify or try something else. Movement should leave you feeling stronger, not broken.

What Happens If You Stop Moving

Take it from me, you don’t want to stop. When you quit moving, you lose muscle at a faster rate, your bones weaken, and simple activities (like climbing stairs or carrying groceries) become harder. Beyond the physical, stopping movement can also impact your mood, energy levels, and confidence.

But here’s the hope: every step forward matters. It’s never too late to begin again.

Pulling It All Together

Fitness over 50 isn’t about keeping up with the 25-year-olds or pushing yourself into extreme routines. It’s about honoring your body, choosing movement that supports your health, and building consistency that carries you into the years ahead with strength and confidence.

Remember: the best workout is the one that meets you where you are today, and moves with you into the future.

Well, my friend, that is all I have for you today. Please share this post with someone you love. Let us know in the comments: What kind of movement makes you feel your best right now? 📝

With Peace & Love,
Renee 💜

Posted on by Midlife Made Easier

How to Fall Correctly in Midlife and Avoid Serious Injury

Hello Friends,

A few years ago, I experienced a fall that taught me a valuable lesson—one that still resonates with me today. I was walking with a colleague to conduct a home visit when, suddenly and without warning, I fell hard on the pavement. Out of sheer embarrassment and adrenaline, I jumped right back up as if nothing happened. But in reality, the pain from that fall lingered for months, and to this day, I still experience occasional residual aches on the side where I landed.

As we move through midlife and beyond, the possibility of falling becomes more significant. It’s not something we like to think about, but it is something we should prepare for. Yes, there is a way to fall correctly—to minimize damage and reduce the risk of serious injury.

Today, I want to share three practical tips on how to fall safely, whether you’re walking outside or navigating your own home. Spring is just around the corner, and many of us are eager to hit the sidewalks, trails, and metro parks to achieve our daily walking goals. Let’s ensure we do it safely!

3 Tips for Falling Safely in Midlife

1. Stay Loose (Avoid Tensing Up)
One of the worst things you can do when falling is to stiffen your body. Instinctively, we tense up, but this increases the risk of fractures or serious joint injuries. Instead, stay loose and bend your elbows and knees slightly as you fall. Allowing your muscles to remain flexible helps absorb impact and distribute the force across your body.

2. Protect Your Head
Head injuries can be catastrophic, especially as we age. Always prioritize protecting your head during a fall. If you feel yourself going down, try to tuck your chin toward your chest and turn your body to the side. This simple movement reduces the risk of hitting your head directly, significantly minimizing potential trauma.

3. Try to Roll into the Fall
Instead of trying to stop your fall with your hands—which can lead to broken wrists or shoulders—aim to roll into your fall, spreading the impact across larger muscle groups, such as your shoulders or hips. A controlled roll can significantly reduce injury severity and speed up your recovery.

Prevention Matters, Too

Beyond knowing how to fall, it’s equally important to prevent falls from happening in the first place. Ensure you’re wearing suitable footwear with a good grip, keep your home clear of clutter, and have your vision regularly checked.

Springtime means more outdoor activities, and I want you all to stay safe and healthy. Please share this post with someone you love, as knowing how to fall safely could protect them from serious injury.

Don’t forget to check out the resources listed below, including the Midlife Reboot Workbook—a helpful tool to support your health and wellness goals. And if you need a daily reminder of your resilience and strength, explore our empowering It’s Not Over Until I Win collection at Renee & Ruby’s.

We would love to hear your safety tips as well! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.

With Peace & Love,
Renee

Midlife Made Easier: Essential Resources for Reinventing Yourself

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