Anyone who spends five minutes with me can tell you that I am not going to the gym to get exercise. I did that back in the step aerobics era, and I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime. I literally moved to a farm so I’d have built in, animal-care-based activities to keep me moving on a daily basis, because I have to keep all those creatures alive, and that doesn’t give me any room for excuses. There are a few other sneaky helpers you can use, though, if you don’t want to come for a farm visit.
Muscle and bone maintenance during midlife is vital if you plan on staying independent and active, and it’s mainly a result of lifting heavy stuff. Sigh. My favorite equipment to use at home has to be multipurpose, and it has to take up very little space in this old farmhouse. If I can’t stow it under the bed with minimum fuss, I probably won’t even bother.
My favorites? Right here.
- This 3-pack of weighted bars stands up in a corner, and they’re super versatile and easy to use. I like them better than dumbbells.
2. Another trending item – thanks to the perimenopause/menopause docs who have brought midlife women to the front of the medical conversation lately – is the super easy-to-use weighted vest. It’s over 40% off right now, so don’t sleep on this deal! Pop one on, go for a walk, and keep your shoulders back – voila! – extra weight bearing exercise, extra calorie burn. Double win.
3. Ever struggle with alignment when trying to do yoga? I love the feel of this natural cork mat, and it has handy guide lines to help you get your position right during your practice. Comes with a cute and useful set of cards to help you design your own sequences with ease.
4. I recently stumbled upon the alo Wellness Club app, and it’s FREE, y’all. There are dozens of fitness classes and guided meditations in there – you can even tell it what your wellness goals are, and it will suggest sessions that fit your needs.
5. We know how important it is to get our sleep, and lordt, if we don’t struggle with this one. This fancy phone-free alarm clock is a wellness world darling, and it, too, is on super sale right now. It has gentle sound and light waking options, white noise, ambient light, and a million other options to help you get your beauty rest. Because you can’t even think of exercise if you’re exhausted, amiright? For more help with sleep without a prescription, see our previous post with a bunch of suggestions!
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