Fit After 50: Why It's Not About the Scale Anymore

Today I’m diving into a topic that so many of us wrestle with—fitness in midlife. Fitness after 50 isn’t about shrinking, fixing, or chasing the past. It’s about reclaiming your body as a source of joy, strength, and freedom.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the number on the scale or thought, ‘I’m too old to get fit,’ I want you to know: that’s a lie. You are not too old, and you are not too far gone. This is your time to bloom.

Our bodies change as we age. That’s not failure—that’s biology. Hormones shift, metabolism slows, joints get a little creaky. And yet, we’re often told to ‘just do more.’ More cardio. More restriction with food. More punishment.

The truth is:

Fitness in midlife isn’t about punishing your body for how it looks. It’s about nourishing your body for how you want to live and how you want to feel. Fitness is part of you living your best life. It’s about you doing daily activities without always feeling like you need a nap. It’s about exercising in a way that you don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Fitness is the freedom to live your life fully, with energy and ease.

And honestly—it’s not always easy. Some days, I feel stiff and tired. Some days, my joints are really achy, and they remind me I’m not 25 anymore. But movement is medicine. Even gentle, small movements add up.

So, if you’ve been feeling discouraged, you are not failing. Your body is just different now, and your fitness journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s or be the same as it used to be. 

Let’s talk about what fitness really means for women in midlife—because it’s not about the scale or the size of your jeans. 

Here’s what fitness can mean now:

Fitness is feeling strong enough to do the things you love—whether that’s hiking a trail, playing with a grandchild, or simply feeling confident in your body.

Fitness is moving in a way that supports your mental health. It’s no secret that menopause can be a rollercoaster—and movement is one of the best tools we have to boost our mood, manage stress, and clear our minds.

Fitness is about function—keeping your balance, preventing falls, staying flexible, and maintaining strength for the long haul.

Fitness is about freedom—to travel, to garden, to dance in the kitchen. To do life on your terms, without being limited by aches, pains, or fatigue. Most of all, fitness is about joy. It’s about moving your body because it feels good, not because you’re trying to punish it into submission.

I’ll tell you this—since I stopped chasing the scale and started focusing on how I feel, everything changed. I’m more energized. I’m more connected to my body. And I’m actually enjoying my workouts, because they’re no longer about fixing what’s ‘wrong’ with me.

So, here’s your permission to: Let go of the numbers. Let go of the ‘shoulds.’ And start moving in a way that makes you feel alive.”

Let’s get practical. If you’re wondering where to start, I’ve got you.

Here are five simple ways to approach fitness in midlife—without the overwhelm:

Find Your Feel-Good Moves

What makes you want to move? For me, it’s a walk with Jäger, some yoga, or a light strength session with resistance bands. Find what feels good, and start there.

Make It Accessible

You don’t need a fancy gym or a strict routine. Movement can happen anywhere:

 • Stretching while you watch TV

 • Doing squats while you brush your teeth

 • Dancing in the kitchen while you make dinner

 • Taking the stairs instead of the elevator

Let Go of Perfection

It’s not all or nothing. Ten minutes counts. Five minutes counts. Even one stretch counts. Every little bit adds up—so give yourself credit for the small wins.

Shift Your Focus from “Look” to “Live”

Ask yourself: How do I want to feel in my body?

Do I want more energy? Better sleep? Less stress? That’s what we’re working toward—not a number on the scale.

Celebrate Your Strength

Every time you move your body, you’re doing something powerful. Celebrate that. Notice the wins—like feeling less stiff, having more energy, or lifting something a little heavier than last time. That’s progress.

And if you need a little inspiration, I’m here to remind you—you’re stronger than you think. You’ve been through a lot. You’ve made it this far. And you have so much more ahead.”

I want you to remember this:

Your body is not a project to be fixed. It’s a partner in this next chapter of your life.

Fitness in midlife is about giving yourself the tools to feel good—today, tomorrow, and for years to come. It’s about living well, not just looking a certain way.

So the next time you catch yourself worrying about the number on the scale, I want you to stop and ask:

How do I want to feel?

What movement feels good for me today?

How can I honor my body for all it does for me—every single day?

You are blooming into your strongest, boldest, most beautiful self. Let’s keep moving forward—together.”