Alright ladies, let’s talk about being fit at 50—but not the way the fitness industry tries to sell it to you. No, I’m talking about writing my own damn rules and finally finding what works for me without feeling like I have to torture myself with endless workouts, strict meal plans, or some idea of “perfection.” Spoiler alert: I quit the gym, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
So here’s the deal: this is about feeling good in my body, managing my fibromyalgia, and letting go of all those unrealistic standards about what fitness is “supposed” to look like. I’m Fit at 50, well 52 actually, but I’m doing it my way.
The Freedom to Move How I Want
Let’s get real—I hate the gym. I tried for years to make myself love it, but it just wasn’t happening. The crowded spaces, the repetitive routines, the pressure to keep up with everyone around me—it was draining. So, I finally gave myself permission to quit. And let me tell you, quitting the gym has been one of the most freeing decisions of my life.
As a Manifesting Generator, with my arrow at the top left of my chart pointing toward the inconsistent side (IYKYK), I thrive on freedom and flexibility. That means I need to move my body in ways that feel good to me, not based on some strict, regimented plan that leaves me feeling bored and burnt out. Some days, I might go for a long walk. Other days, I might dance around my living room like no one’s watching. And some days, I do absolutely nothing—and that’s okay too. I’ve kicked perfection to the curb.
Moving to Heal, Not to Punish
Here’s the thing: for me, fitness isn’t about punishing my body to fit some ideal. It’s about healing. I’ve been on a journey with fibromyalgia for years, and I’ve learned that I need to listen to my body, not fight against it. There are days when I have energy, and I move in ways that feel good and gentle. Then there are days when my body says, “Nope, we’re resting,” and I honor that too. Because pushing myself beyond my limits just to tick a box on a workout app isn’t wellness—that’s punishment, and I’m not here for that anymore.
Movement has become a tool for healing, not for “earning” my food or my self-worth. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, swimming, or just getting outside for fresh air, I’m moving in a way that works for me—and without the guilt of missing a gym session.
What I’m Eating: Nourishment, Not Deprivation
Now, let’s talk about food. If you know me well, you know I’ve had a long and complicated relationship with food, but I’ve finally reached a place where all foods are okay. I’m not depriving myself, labeling foods as good or bad, or punishing myself for enjoying something delicious. My philosophy on food now is simple: it’s about nourishment—for both my body and my soul.
I’ve learned that certain foods help keep my fibromyalgia in check, while others don’t make me feel as great, but that doesn’t mean I’m restricting myself or living off of kale salads (unless I actually want one, which isn’t that often, let’s be real). I’m eating what makes me feel good and what brings me joy, whether that’s a healthy dinner or an indulgent dessert. Because balance is the key, and stressing over every bite isn’t.
Kicking Perfection to the Curb
For far too long, I thought fitness and wellness meant chasing some unattainable version of perfection. You know the one: flawless abs, a perfectly clean diet, and a workout routine that makes you feel like a failure if you miss a day. But here’s the thing: perfection is a myth, and it’s one that keeps us trapped.
At 52, I’ve finally kicked perfection to the curb and embraced the idea that I get to write the rules for my own fitness and wellness journey. I don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. I don’t need to hit the gym five days a week. I don’t need to follow anyone else’s blueprint for success. I’m figuring out what works for me, and I’m giving myself permission to be inconsistent—to follow the ebb and flow of my energy, my mood, and my body’s needs.
Fitness Is Personal—And It’s Yours to Define
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that fitness is personal. There’s no one right way to do it, no perfect routine, no secret formula for success. The only thing that matters is how you feel in your body and what makes you feel good. For me, that means moving when it feels right, resting when I need it, and nourishing my body with food that makes me feel alive and happy.
So if you’re sitting there wondering if you need to sign up for another gym membership or start some grueling new workout plan to “get fit,” I’m here to tell you: you don’t. You just need to tune in to what your body wants and needs, and then follow that lead—on your terms.
Because at the end of the day, being Fit at 50 isn’t about looking like a fitness model or sticking to some strict routine. It’s about freedom—the freedom to move, eat, and live in a way that feels right for you. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more empowering than that.
