KB97 - 4 Reasons Why It’s Actually EASIER to Get in Shape at 40

MINDSET
4 Reasons Why It’s Actually EASIER to Get in Shape at 40

I wrote this newsletter out of frustration after hearing so many people say that getting fit and healthy in your 40s (and beyond) is nearly impossible.

Sure, staying in shape might have some new challenges as we age, but we’re also equipped with tools and advantages we didn’t have in our 20s.

So, instead of focusing on perceived “weaknesses,” I’m going to lean into the strengths we’ve gained along the way.

Here are a few reasons why your 40s might actually be the perfect time to prioritise your health and fitness.

Let’s dive in…

Reason #1: Clarity and Purpose

If you were anything like me in your 20s, you probably didn’t have a clue who you were, what you wanted, or where you were going.

You might have thrown yourself into projects, relationships, or jobs hoping that each new thing would be “the thing” that gave your life meaning.

Most of us spent that decade trying to make an impression, be liked, and fit in with everyone we met.

Now, as I hit 40, I know who I am and just as importantly, who I’m not.

I don’t need everyone to like me.

If you’re on board with my weird and wonderful world, fantastic!

If not, that’s fine too.

I’ve accepted that I’m not for everyone.

So, what does this have to do with fitness?

Well, after 26 years in the gym, I can tell you that I worked out to impress other people for about 20 of those years!

But as I wave goodbye to my 30s, my motivation has completely changed.

Now, it’s all about staying on this planet as long as possible, looking like a superhero to my kids, and maybe even still looking good naked in my 60s.

(If that’s your thing!)

Reason #2: Resilience

By the time you reach 40, life has probably thrown you a whole orchard of lemons.

You’ve either got the bruises to show for it, or you’ve become a master at making lemonade.

In our 20s, every setback felt huge.

But two decades later, we’ve developed a thicker skin and a better perspective.

We know that most things we thought were “huge problems” back then aren’t even worth a second thought now.

And that resilience?

It’s a powerful asset when it comes to health and fitness.

Sticking to a nutrition plan or workout routine can be challenging, but consider all the tough stuff you’ve already survived. Your track record for surviving hard things is 100%.

(And long may it continue, because if it weren’t, you wouldn’t be reading this!)

So when a workout feels tough, or the scale won’t budge, remember…

You’ve been through harder things!

Following a fitness routine is nothing compared to the challenges life has already thrown your way.

Reason #3: Accountability

Back in my 20s, no one depended on me.

I didn’t have kids who needed lunches packed, a spouse counting on my partnership, or employees relying on me for a paycheck.

It was just me, myself, and I.

And while that was fun, it also meant I could get away with skipping workouts or making unhealthy choices without much consequence.

But now?

Other people count on me to be healthy, fit, and present.

I have people who rely on me to show up every day, and if I don’t take care of myself, it affects them as well as me.

This accountability is powerful.

When we’re only accountable to ourselves, it’s easy to make excuses or let things slide.

But we’re far more likely to stick to our commitments when others are involved.

That’s why it’s important to remember that looking after our wellness isn’t selfish…

It’s selfless!

Being physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy puts us in a better position to support the people we care about.

Reason #4: A Higher Value on Health

In my 20s, I thought I was invincible!

I could stay out drinking until dawn, then hit the gym on two hours of sleep and do it all again the next day.

But now? If I tried that, I’d need a full week to recover!

As we age, we start to understand the true value of health.

We’ve seen friends or family struggle with health issues, and we know firsthand how much longer it takes to bounce back from a bad night or an injury.

We realise that our bodies are not invulnerable and that taking care of ourselves isn’t something we can keep putting off.

In fact, I like to think of my 40s as the beginning of life’s “second half.” Here’s how I see it:

• 0–10 years: Learning to walk, playing with toys, and being a kid.

• 10–20 years: Going to school, figuring out who I am, and caring way too much about what other people think.

• 20–30 years: Making mistakes, discovering my tastes, and trying (too hard) to be liked.

• 30–40 years: Gaining a deeper understanding of myself and starting to care less about what others think.

• 40+: (See ages 0-10) Only now I can walk, I have money to buy toys, and I know that to enjoy these years, I need to look after myself.

TL/DR

• Clarity and Purpose: By 40, you know who you are and what matters most, making it easier to focus on long-term health rather than fleeting goals.

• Resilience: Life’s challenges have made you stronger. Sticking to a fitness routine is just one more challenge you’re fully equipped to handle.

• Accountability: With family, friends, and colleagues relying on you, taking care of your health isn’t just for you, it’s for them too.

• Higher Value on Health: Age brings perspective. You know health's true importance, which fuels a deeper commitment to staying fit and active.