Getting and Staying Fit in Your Late Twenties
I’m 27 years old. For all my life, I’ve been able to eat whatever I want, as much as I want, with really no worry at all. I guess I’ve been blessed with a good metabolism. In the past few years however I’ve noticed the little belly pudge we all have grow a bit bigger. All of the sudden, within the past few months when beer became a staple in my diet, 10 pounds magically jumped on and doesn’t seem to want to let go.
That brings me to the point of this post. As a still-slim woman in her late twenties, what should she consider?
I break down fitness into four categories:
- Cardio
- Weight Training
- Core Training
- Diet
I have no problems admitting that I do a lot better with some of these than others. Let me tell you why I think each is important.
Cardio
This is the absolute MUST do for losing weight. All the weights and yoga in the world means nothing if you’re not doing cardio. Cardio gets your heart rate up and starts burning that fat and those calories. Unfortunately, cardio sucks. The most effective cardio is running, but it’s killer on your joints. I ran for 30 minutes a few weeks ago and it took a week and an ultrasound to make the horrible pain in my knee to go away. Low impact cardio is better on your joints but still difficult. This includes roller blading and bicycling. The lowest impact and highest return has got to be swimming. This is on my list of things to try. AquaFit!
At any rate, it losing weight is your goal, regular cardio MUST MUST MUST be part of your workout routine.
Weight Training
I think a lot of people avoid this one and I’m not sure why. Perhaps the thought of weight training gives you the image over overly muscley men and women bench pressing 200 lbs or something. The truth is that it doesn’t even have to be close to that. I take a weight training class at my local rec and leisure center. Of 15 women, I’m probably the youngest. There are people of all shapes, sizes and age. The point is to build up strength the right way. Through proper circuit training, you get the proper attention to all sorts of different groups. The class is led by an instructor who is there to make sure you’re doing it right and really pushing yourself. I can’t tell you how great I feel after class, and I can tell you that it works. Slowly, but it does work. It also helps build your stamina for other activities.
Core Training
Recently, I *finally* decided to try Pilates. And wouldn’t you know, I LOVE it. Pilates focuses on core strength and breathing. Your abs are a big part of your core so if you’re looking for that toned tummy, this is a good place to be (WITH cardio!!). It’s not easy, and yes you do sweat. It’s also quite different from Yoga, which I really can’t speak on because I only tried it a couple times and couldn’t figure out what the big deal is.
Your core is one of those areas you can work on every day (or so I understand, please feel free to correct me). Unlike other muscle groups, which should have at least 48 hours of healing time between workouts. Given that your core is, well, the core of your body it makes sense that you spend some extra attention on it. Pilates not only gives you that, but with its breathing regiment your whole body opens up and you just feel.better.
Diet
Oh, diet. And I’m not talking about pop culture diets, I’m talking about making good choices on a regular basis. And this is NOT easy. In fact, I’m probably the WORSE person to talk about good eating habits. Here’s my advice. Portion control. Really, as long as you’re not pigging out on everything, you’re going to do okay. Get your veggies and if you hate them like I do, grab a V8 and chug it as fast as you can. Keep some protein shakes on hand – even Slim Fast meal replacements. I like to have one in the morning to get me off to a good start. Getting protein is also really important after a heavy work out.
Hopefully there will be some others that can post or comment about diet. Honestly, if you have access to an EAP (employee assistance program) you probably have free access to a nutritionist. Use it!
These are the four key things that I have discovered are important for getting fit, or staying fir, as a woman in her late twenties. Remember ladies (and gents!) – the sooner you get into shape, the easier it’ll be to stay there. Don’t wait until you’re in your forties to try and ditch the beer belly or baby fat.
Related posts:
