WORKING OUT....STEPPIN' UP....WHAT WORKS FOR ME

K, so you are my peeps and I'm not gonna lie to you guys. I'm just gonna tell you straight out, once you hit your 40s, it is so much harder to stay trim. It seems like you have to exercise so much more, I'm talking almost double to get the same results and so that can be a little frustrating. And you definitely can't eat like you used to, which is actually a good thing I know to be eating so much healthier but boy do I miss being able to eat four cookies instead of just one and that one only on occasion instead of every day, ha ha.



So there are three things in working out that are my best friends. My Fitbit of course, my portable stepper and planks. And I can tell you when you are in a competition for a work week hustle or even who can step the most in the day, your motivation skyrockets compared to just looking at the Fitbit for yourself. However, I am obsessed no matter what with getting my 10,000 steps a day and I try to average 13,000 to 15,000. I make sure I do it at least six out of the seven days but usually get my break on one of the weekend days. I always say if I was laid up and couldn't exercise, I'd go nuts.

Walking by water motivates me even more!

I said this once before on one of my Friday Favorites, but my Stepper from Amazon is the best exercise equipment purchase I've ever made in my entire life! I even step on it sometimes in my slippers.

People, hear me when I tell you BEST under $50 purchase ever from Amazon!! When it is too cold to run or walk outside, this stepper saves my workout sanity!! I can literally tote it to any room in the house, walk on it for an hour and catch up on all my DVR-ed TV shows., even blog. I have already worn out one so hubs bought me another. LOVE it and no $1000-$2000 for an elliptical or treadmill and it takes up no room, slide it under the bed or in a closet and good to go!! 

Get over Amazon right now and get one HERE

Fitbit and walking. I have always been a walking fanatic. Sometimes I do a run/walk but the older I've gotten that walking is just so much easier. I make it a point to get several good walks in during the day. And if the weather's nice, of course I get those walks and outside. We hike when we can too.
Oh and if we'd have had any of the fluffy white stuff his year, I'd have been snowshoeing to get steps....I even snowshoe in the back yard.

Planks. I pride myself in being able to do quite the long plank. I try to do a few throughout the day and I feel like it keeps my whole body more in balance if that makes sense.

Now here are the things that I'm not doing that I should be if I want to get a total weight workout. Weights. I have just never been good with weights. I always end up pulling a muscle somewhere even when I go down to the lower weights. And toning, boy when you get older, do you definitely need this! The planks help and of course the stepper but I know I could be doing more to tone. And I probably should be adding more stretches in too.

For the most part, I try to stay active and feel pretty good about my cardio and workout schedule. However, it's sad to think that the older I get, the more I may even have to do. And in reality I really want to work out like this:

What is your favorite way to work out? You certainly don't need a fancy gym or expensive equipment, just move that body girl! And no matter what, when motivation gets you down; You got this gorgeous!!

59 comments:

  1. wow a very inspirational post for working out! xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: RUFFLE TOP AND VELVET LOAFERS

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your graphics crack me up - they are the BEST! I love seeing what everyone does to stay fit, no joke it is harder as we get older. It's crazy that we finally have time to go out to dinner, get drinks, enjoy a more lively social life now that our kids are grown but if we do that we pack on the pounds! Ugh!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great inspiration.
    I'm trying really hard to be active this year!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Get it girl!! Working out gets much harder as you get older so I try to make it a point not to ever get out of making it a habit! I think I need that stepper.. It looks like it would save my life!

    Brittany :)
    www.kingdomofsequins.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love all of your graphics! It's definitely harder to stay in shape as you get older. I swim a few days a week, take our dog on long walks and do at home workouts with weights. I need to get that stepper!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a fun workout post, Andrea! That is so awesome about the portable stepper, and for under $50?! We have a treadmill in our basement and you are right, it takes up SO much room. Love that you can take your stepper from room to room. That plank graphic is too funny, too haha!! Sounds like you have a great mix of exercises! Happy Monday!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such an inspirational post! I have a FitBit and I totally agree that it is so motivational!! Plus I love the fact that you can see how many steps you're friends are getting, which kind of makes it a competition for me!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a fun post!! You know I just got my fitbit so I'm also obsessed with hitting at least 10K steps! I just did a weekend challenge and the hubby ended up winning with over 30K! Now I'm obsessed with beating him hahaha

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your top graphic is actually from my favorite YouTube trainer, Anna Renderer! Love her! If you get in a workout rut, check out my Tuesday Training posts where I share my favorite quick, easy, and fun workouts that you can do in your own home. Happy Monday! agalnamedal.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a great post! I love the stepper you have--such a great piece of equipment that you can do while watching tv!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is awesome motivation Andrea! I love that you get on your stepper in your slipper, haha! I'm more of a walker than a runner too. :)

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the motivation pretty lady!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your workout tips, especially the stepper. That would be so great when we have those hot-n-humid days here in the Houston summer. Have awonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dying over all your memes! I really thought I was going to be one of those to defy the odds..and not let the 40's get the best of me. I'm hanging in there but definitely would give anything to be as fat as I thought I was at 28!! I'm super impressed with your 13-15K steps most days. I definitely struggle to even hit 10K a day...no wonder you are still so hot momma!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for all the motivation and I love all the memes in this post. Too funny and too true. I love that stepper, I am going to have to look into that. I would probably just slide it under my couch :). I could see both of my kiddos wanting to try it too. I love walking, especially outside. Your post was great! I loved reading it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm still dying over the plank meme. So true! I love how you have incorporated fitness into your everyday life. I also love walking and think I need to move. 🙈 You make 40 look amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ok I need to work out while simultaneously enjoying a mimosa - amazing! LOL at the planking meme, and walking by the water is definitely more motivating. You look fabulous friend <3
    Green Fashionista

    ReplyDelete
  18. Andrea, this is such great inspiration! I've gained so much weight during this pregnanancy and I honesely cannot wait to work out again! You, on the other hand, look SO FAB! You really are my role model! PS: Heading to the post office on Tue to mail out your gift card! Love ya!

    Happy Monday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com


    ReplyDelete
  19. These photos are too funny! Great motivation :)

    -Jessi
    http://www.thedarlingdetail.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Get it girl!!! I am trying to get back in to my work out game after baby. I was consistently working out five days a week for about 2 years before I got pregnant and I quit during my 8th month and haven't done anything since lol. Weights are actually my favorite, cardio/running my least favorite. I am hoping to pick things back up this week and ease back in to my old routine. I love Youtube videos from PopSugar Fitness!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am dying over some of these photos. Haha so funny! That portable stepper is such a good idea. Perfect for travel! Have a great week :)

    -Rachel
    http://thetrendytomboy.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Say it isn't so Andrea... I had a hard enough time with the drop in my 30s. I love that little stepper what a great idea, I'm going to look into that....

    ReplyDelete
  23. Okay I seriously might need that stepper. I also need your motivation.... You're an inspiration!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hilarious and full of great advice!! You are so fun. I bought PC one of those steppers and he never used it. I need to dig it out and inspire him to try it by using it me-self! Love the curls with a mimosa in hand. Yes! And planks, I was doing them but have dropped off. This grandma will be doing them everyday if they can help me to look half as great as YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. All of these pictures are cracking me up! And I'm totally intrigued by your mini-stepper! Also you are totally beating me in terms of daily steps. I gotta get moving!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love this post!!! I already have a really hard time staying fit so I am not looking to getting older! Trying to form my habits now! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love all your tips. You always look fantastic! I hate weight workouts too, but I'm finding that I really need them as I barrel toward 50. I need to get my Fitbit out and use it!

    ReplyDelete
  28. You go girl! You look fabulous and not a day over 40, my sweet friend! I hope to look as good as you do one day!
    The funnies just cracked me up -- off to Amazon to check this bad boy out! ;)
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

    ReplyDelete
  29. You look great in your walking gear, Andrea. The gin and tonic lifting video clip has just inspired me to go try that one out right now!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I really do hate that I can't eat as much as I used to, but staying active helps out a little bit! I have a Fitbit too, and it really does help me stay active and be more conscious of how much I'm actually moving around during the day.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I used to have a stepper - but its HUGE & BULKY & SO LOUDDDDDD... I need to check that one out - I love something I can do while watching TV

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love this! And that stepper, for that price I really want to run, not walk and get one! That's great you can do so much while on it...like blogging...hmm...so do you set it up in front of your counter, have the laptop on the counter and blog away? Genius! And if I had a fitbit I would totally want in on a work week hustle...when I had a step counter through work, I could barely make my 7K a day!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love hearing about what works for you! I've never tried one of those steppers but it definitely would be handy for the winter months! I'm a fan of HIIT workouts and strength training combined with cardio. There's all kinds of youtube videos to work your way into it if you are ever interested. I recommend the channel Fitness Blender or Popsugar Fitness. Two of my faves! :) P.S. you look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lawd, I need some motivation! I jumped back on the water bandwagon today though. Haven't had any Diet Coke and I have the caffeine withdrawal headache to prove it! :( Thank you for all the encouragement Sweet Friend! You rock!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh, yes, dear, take it from an almost 65 year old that you do need to keep that body moving. I have walked or done the elliptical for 30+ years and have needed to do so much more but am in really good shape I think. I probably should add some light weights but just can't get motivated in that area. :o)) And, remember to "eat to live, not live to eat." Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  36. That's a great price for the portable stepper and planks may look easy but they're such a great way to tone up those muscles. Yes stretching is so important too which I forget to do more often than not but I like doing yoga to get some stretching and toning up in. You make the 40's look fun and fabulous!! Got a good laugh at the end with the two girls lifting weights with a cocktail in the other hand. GOALS!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I think I need that stepper! I recently got a fitness tracker, and it's shown me that I don't walk nearly enough.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Whoa I totally need that stepper- what a genius idea! You're so full of great info. And I think you looo absolutely amazing- so keep doing what you're doing! Xo!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Perfect timing on this post! I just started back at the gym today...even though the plan was to start right after Christmas - oops!! My sister actually has that stepper and really likes it! She says its easy to get a workout in while watching tv, and it really gets her heart rate going. (PS, as I'm typing this, I'm eating candy - which is NOT good!) :) XO

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  40. bahaha- I have that stepper too and completely agree with you- I don't watch stupid TV shows without being on it!

    ReplyDelete
  41. That stepper? Really?? Wow! I'm so impressed!! I HATE planks but have recently started doing these: https://youtu.be/96ppUeXhXiw

    ReplyDelete
  42. I already see I'm downward spiraling in my 30's. Ok, maybe not that drastic, but it's still harder. My problem is motivating myself to workout since I'm usually exhausted or trying to get other things done because time just isn't always on my side. I am cracking up at your memes! Beautifully Candid

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am not yet 29 and I already can't eat like I used to. In high school, I could drink non-diet soda all the time and finish a pint of ice cream in one sitting! Haha.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I didn't get a chance to blog or read any blogs yesterday and now I feel horrible! This link up is kinda sorta up my alley!!! So I'm reading and nodding in agreement and then realize you linked to me! Precious, lady! I love "working out" with you LOL! Walking is key to good health and you have those steps down, sister. I am thirty-five and my weight can fall off and then pile back on so I get it with missing the days of eat the pack of Oreos and not worry!

    ReplyDelete
  45. You're so good that you do so much exercise! All that walking. Phew! I wish I was more of an active outdoorsy type but I just never was. However, since discovering yoga I do it every day (Sunday doesn't count lol!) for at least an hour and I absolutely love it. My body had improved dramatically since taking it up. And when I did my yoga teacher training last year, I felt amazing. I'm hoping to start teaching within the next month so hopefully that'll mean I'll be even more active than usual ;)
    Hugs from a lovely and sunny Algarve
    Suzy xxx
    www.suzyturner.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. That's great that you get so much walking in! I really try to make time for a quick walk during the day at work but sometimes the day just gets away from me... makes such a difference when I'm able to though!

    ReplyDelete
  47. It s good for your body and mind!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Stopping by from Tuesday Talk. XOXO I'm totally going to look into that stepper after reading your review! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Just added that stepper to my amazon wish list and I think I'm going to ask B to get it for me for my birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Yup, you definitely have to step up your exercise game in your 40s... I also love my Fitbit and try to get as many steps as possible. Sadly, my Flex is about to die I think and doesn't hold a charge very well; I think it's time to get a new one. I love your little stepper! I may have to get one!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    ReplyDelete
  51. Where was the stepper when I bought my elliptical!? I need one, like STAT.

    I so agree. The closer I get to 40, the more I notice my metabolism slowing down. Ugh.

    Thanks for the inspiration. I needed this. Especially after reading a post about brownies. Haha!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Excellent post! I admire a gal who can stick with any kind of exercise. The older I get, the less I WANT to move and the more I SHOULD move. The weather has turned nice here so we are walking outdoors again. I put the stepper on my wish list on Amazon. Do you use the straps? Love the Richard Simmons picture! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  53. Very inspirational post, Andrea. The next couple of days are suppose to be in the 50's so I am going to get my big fat rearend outside for a nice long walk. Have a wonderful week. You look great, btw.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Just added that stepper to my cart on Amazon! Always looking for easy way to add in a quick workout... could even use that while brushing my teeth!

    ReplyDelete
  55. YES! I'm with you on loving my Fitbit! It's amazing how much motivation you get from competing with people for steps!

    ReplyDelete
  56. VEry nice post to do a little bit sport!!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: CASUAL CHIC LOOK | JEANS, MAXI COAT AND VELVET
    DON'T MISS: CHLOE LOVE STORY

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thanks for the motivation! I am also competitive, so the step challenges on the fitbit are made for me ;-) I should look into one of those steppers, that would be handy to do while catching up on a show or two and looks like it wouldn't be noisy. Thanks as always!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you for this. I've been sick most of the month and have had a hard time getting back into working out. A small workout tool like that stepper you have would be perfect for days when the kids are sick, or I just can't get out with the baby.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Lookin great my friend! I like walking too when it is nice out. My treadmill conked out, so I am in the market for a new one, as I am not a fsn of walking in freezing temps! I love the plank pic, I know what you mean! and I like that last pic too!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to Browse my Blog. Your comments mean the world to me and I treasure each and every one!! If you are a non-reply blogger I won’t be able to respond via email. Kindness and Love, xo

BLOG DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS