Tips for Making Exercise Enjoyable in Midlife: Insights from Inspirational Women

Title: Overcoming the Challenges of Exercising in Midlife: Inspirational Stories from Women Over 50

Taking up exercise in midlife can be intimidating, especially for women going through menopause. The combination of disrupted sleep, hot flushes, and sweaty workouts can make hitting the gym seem like a daunting task. However, with doctors and personal trainers emphasizing the importance of staying active during perimenopause and beyond, finding a way to make exercise work for you is crucial.

To shed light on this topic, HELLO! spoke to four inspirational women over 50 who recently starred in JD Williams’ Dare to Be campaign. These women shared their experiences and insights on how to make exercise something to look forward to, despite the challenges.

1. Finding the Right Class: Mel Berry, 54, founder of fitness app Her Spirit, encourages trying different classes to find the one that suits you best. She emphasizes that it’s okay not to enjoy the first class and urges women to keep exploring until they find something that makes them feel amazing.

2. Feeling at Home in the Gym: Esme Stone, 51, a yoga and Pilates instructor, reassures women that the gym is a place for every body type. She emphasizes that nobody is judging you, and the real success of exercise lies in focusing on yourself and not worrying about others’ opinions.

3. It’s Never Too Late: Amanda Curtis-Wilson, 63, started running at the age of 57 as part of her breast cancer recovery. She found joy and strength in running, forming new friendships and discovering a sense of empowerment through physical activity.

4. The Need for Exercise: Tess Sandilands, 52, a wild swimmer, shares how swimming in cold water helped her cope with the challenges of menopause. She encourages others to embrace activities that make them feel amazing and help them clear their minds.

These women are part of JD Williams’ Dare to Be campaign, which aims to inspire midlife women to embrace movement and explore various activities. The campaign also promotes inclusivity in activewear, with sizes ranging from 8 to 32, to encourage women of all shapes and sizes to stay active.

Through their stories, these women show that age should not be a barrier to staying active and finding joy in exercise. Their experiences serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to start and that the benefits of physical activity go beyond just physical health.