Are you doing tons of cardio but still not seeing the results you want?
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, it might be time to rethink your approach to exercise.
Exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims has been challenging the way women think about fitness after 40, particularly when it comes to cardio.
And here’s the big takeaway: More cardio isn’t necessarily better. How you train matters!
So, what should you focus on?
1. Stop making every workout a moderate-intensity workout.
You know the kind. You’re working hard, you’re sweating, and you’re getting your steps in, but you’re never really pushing yourself or allowing yourself to recover properly.
Instead, consider incorporating short bursts of higher-intensity exercise into your routine, with adequate recovery between efforts.
2. Make strength training a priority.
As we get older, maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important. Strength training helps us preserve muscle, support our bones and stay strong and capable.
If you’re spending hours doing cardio but barely lifting weights, it’s time to rethink your priorities!
3. Don’t underestimate the power of recovery.
You don’t need to go all-out every single day. Mix your harder workouts with easier movement, like walking, and give your body time to recover.
Remember, the goal isn’t to exhaust yourself. It’s to train in a way that helps you get stronger and fitter over time.
So, does this mean you should stop doing cardio? Absolutely not!
Walking, cycling, dancing and other forms of cardio still have plenty of benefits. The goal is to find the right balance between strength training, higher-intensity exercise and recovery.
And if you’re looking for a place to start, try adding a short interval workout to your week.
My Tabata workout is a great way to get started! With 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest, you’ll alternate between short bursts of effort and recovery.
You don’t need to spend hours exercising. You need a smart, sustainable approach that works for YOUR body and YOUR goals.
Try it with me and let me know how it goes!