Breaking the Comfort Zone: A Guide to Fitness After 40

You know, I used to think having little kids was the toughest gig in town. We've got four of them, three basically back-to-back, and then a neat five-year gap before the last one popped into the picture. But that's a whole different saga.

Fast forward to now, and our brood is navigating high school and college, except for the little guy who's still keeping us on our toes. And let me tell you, it's like a light bulb moment—I see it crystal clear now. The more we nudge our kids to tackle uncomfortable situations, dive into new experiences, and deal with the sting of failure, the more they develop this resilience, this grit that helps them tackle whatever life throws their way.

It's simple, really. If we coddle them, they stagnate. But if we encourage them to embrace the tough stuff, they may not always come out on top, but they sure as heck come out stronger and better equipped to handle life's curveballs.

We can all agree that this approach lays the groundwork for raising resilient, well-rounded individuals. But what boggles my mind is why we don't apply the same philosophy to our own fitness routines.

I mean, think about it. Trying new things, pushing ourselves beyond comfort zones, facing the possibility of failure—it's not just about building character; it's about reaping the myriad benefits that science promises us. Better brain function as we age, a lower risk of chronic diseases, improved heart health, a longer, more active life...the list goes on.

So why do we settle for the same old routine? Most of us have one, or had one at some point. And for many, it's just about going through the motions, ticking that box, settling into what some call "maintenance mode." But let's be real: that might fly for pro athletes in their off-season, but for us over-40s facing the grim reality of muscle loss and hormone declines, it's just not cutting it.

Is it ignorance? Do we simply not realize the importance of pushing ourselves, especially as we age? Or maybe it's a lack of motivation, a fear of stepping into discomfort. We know deep down that embracing the challenge is good for us, emotionally and physically—we push our kids for that very reason.

But hey, if you're feeling stuck, unsure, or downright intimidated, trust me, you're not alone. Been there, seen it all, and I've helped folks just like you find their way through.

Listen, I wouldn't be banging on about this if I didn't think it was a major gap in the fitness landscape for the average over-40 gym-goer.

So, where to start? Here's a little roadmap to kickstart your journey:

Ask yourself: On a scale of 1 to 5, how often do you push yourself to a 4 or 5? Lets be clear on what a 5 is. Out of breath, close to failure, uncomfortable, deeply challenged to the point that you have to think about it and focus. Once, maybe twice a week, at this intensity should be the aim at our age.

Do you relish the challenge, or do you shy away from discomfort? Trust me, it's normal to dodge the tough stuff. Most of us weren't born with an innate desire to torture ourselves with push-ups and burpees. But there's a way to ease into it, to progress steadily with the guidance of a coach who gets you.

Need a hand finding your path forward? Shoot me an email at aaron@fittc.com. I've got your back.

See you in the gym,

Aaron Leventhal
CSCS, PN1