As I embark on this exciting chapter of my life—retirement—I’m focusing on making this year about prioritizing my health. With more free time, I’m taking full advantage of the opportunity to get fit and maintain a routine that works for me. Whether you're in your 50s or just looking for inspiration, I hope my journey can help you achieve your fitness goals this year too!

Creating a Routine: My Key to Staying Fit and Grounded

Before I retired, I did a lot of research on what life might be like after work. One of the common pieces of advice I encountered was to establish a routine. It spoke to me, especially since I’ve always been a goal-oriented person. Now that I’m no longer setting work goals, having a routine to keep me motivated has been essential. Here’s how I structure my fitness routine to stay active, energized, and grounded throughout the week:

• Monday:

  • 20 minute lower body and ab morning workout

  • 20 minute morning walk or run (weather permitting)

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

• Tuesday:

  • 20 minute upper body and ab morning workout

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

• Wednesday:

  • 40 minute morning walk or run (weather permitting)

• Thursday:

  • 20 minute lower body and ab morning workout

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

• Friday:

  • 20 minute upper body and ab morning workout

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

• Saturday:

  • 40 minute morning walk or run (weather permitting)

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

• Sunday:

  • 15 minute afternoon meditation + 5 minutes on my foam back roller

I’ve found that exercising before I eat and shower has worked best for me, and now that I don’t have to rush off to work every morning, I’ve been able to stick with this routine pretty well.

My Fitness Journey: From Struggles to Success

Getting Started: Taking Control of My Health

When I turned 50, I noticed a little extra weight creeping up. In addition to wanting to feel better physically, I had a wedding to attend in September, and I wanted to look and feel my best. After doing some research, I found the V Shred Fat Loss Extreme program and decided to give it a try. I loved that the program didn’t require extreme diets or complicated exercises, just simple, effective 20-minute workouts. I’ve stuck with it, and it's helped me with portion control and making healthier choices when dining out.

Results After 3 Months: Progress and Motivation

Three months in, I had lost 18 pounds and was so close to reaching my wedding weight goal. I also incorporated running into my routine, and after a couple of weeks, my body adapted, and I was running longer distances. (Not bad for someone who had never run before!)

6 Months: Achieving My Goals and Overcoming Challenges

By October, I had lost 28 pounds, and I was in the best shape of my life! But life threw me a curveball—I needed a hysterectomy due to health concerns. This meant taking a break from my fitness routine to recover.

Fitness on Pause: Finding Balance and Staying Positive

During my recovery, I stayed mentally and physically engaged by adding 15-minute afternoon meditations and a foam roller session to my day. It helped with both my back pain (which I've had for years) and my mental health. Meditation became my new “fitness,” keeping me grounded and focused while I couldn’t do my usual workouts.

Getting Back on Track: A Fresh Start for 2025

Now that I’ve been cleared by my doctor to exercise again, I’ve restarted the V Shred Fat Loss Extreme program (it’s less intense than the Toned in 90 Days option). I’m easing back into my routine, with walks, hikes, and once the weather warms up, running again. I've also kept meditation and foam rolling as part of my daily practice. My back feels stronger than ever, and I’m excited to keep moving forward with my goals for 2025!

What About You?

I’d love to hear about your fitness routines, especially if you're also retired or in your 50s. How do you stay active, and what has worked best for you? Drop me a message on Instagram or reply to this email—I’m always happy to connect and share tips.