I’m determined to keep moving as frequently, as far and as fast…as I possibly can…as I age. Mobility is not a given with age, and I hear that when we stop putting in the effort, walking, hiking and just moving our bodies only becomes more of an effort. So these days my goal is not to just get in one long walk each day, but to get out for a couple of extra mini walks as well. Here’s why I’m trying to keep moving over 50 and how I’m staying stylish and comfortable while I go.
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The pieces I’m showing you today are mostly from Athleta. I’m 5’8″ and weigh about 160 pounds, so I generally wear a size misses medium or 10. At Athleta I usually wear my true sizes, but I did size down in Skyline chore jacket I’m sharing here. I’m wearing a small very comfortably in that pleasantly stretchy, mid weight jacket. The medium was very large on me.
Best news? Athleta is offering 25% off today. Yay!
Why I Keep Moving Through My Day
With a job that requires hours at a desk sitting in front of a computer, it’s a challenge to move my body frequently throughout the day. If I’m not mindful and intentional, two or three hours will pass and I’m still sitting in the same spot. That’s not good.
Studies show that the little movements we make throughout the day are just as crucial to extending life span, keeping our bodies agile and keeping off visceral fat as regular long form exercise. Yes, that 30 minute (or longer) walk at least 5 times a week is crucial to our health and well-being. But those daily long hauls alone are no substitute for regular movement throughout the day.
In other words, you can’t just take a three-mile walk in the morning and then sit rest of the day and assume you’ll stay healthy. And boy, am I ever guilty of that some days.
Furthermore, I’ve heard from several different sources recently that taking a short 10-15 minute walk right after your meals can help keep visceral fat at bay. They also inform me that the “worst thing you can do” right after a meal is sit or, heaven forbid, lie down. Again, I’m guilty! What about you?
So these days I’m getting out for at least one extra mini walk each day. Sometimes I take a quick jaunt; other times they’re more leisurely strolls. But I move! My goal, especially with the improving weather, is to get out for two or three mini strolls each day, as well as a 30 minute brisk walk. And yes, walking in the mall or while you run errands definitely counts towards these mini walks.
But I’ve learned that the only way I’m going to stick with this goal and make it a habit is to incorporate these walks into my lifestyle. If they feel “extra” and I have to move around too many pieces of my day to make them happen…well, they won’t! So I’m making the extra little strolls part of my daily lifestyle.
One way I’m dong that is by making sure I have plenty of cute and comfortable clothes that I can wear while working from home that also easily accommodate my movement goals. I still want to feel pulled together and polished. But especially on video editing days, when I have to spend about 5 or 6 hours at my desk, I’m wearing clothes that almost beg me to go outside. LOL!
The Journey crop pants I’m wearing here are sporty and fun, but I also like the look of them. And, because they’re constructed in Athleta’s featherweight stretch fabric that feels silky-sleek and light as air, they’re super comfortable, whether I’m working around the house or getting out for a jaunt around the neighborhood. Plus, these modern pants have a UPF 40+ rating, they’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathable and wrinkle-resistant. They come in black/white, teal/white and this driftwood brown and white, but you can also get them in a solid navy without the stripe.
I can top them with a tee or tank top, like I did at the top of the post, and add the polished chore jacket if I desire. Or I can wear them with this super comfortable and lightweight sweatshirt on cooler days. They would look cute styled with other jackets, too. And my friend at Athleta told me that ALL of their sales associates have bought them and wear them. They’re youthful, but also on trend and super functional and comfortable.
By the way, that sweatshirt comes in several other colors, including a beautiful green that you’ll see in tomorrow’s YouTube video. It’s a truer green than what they show on the website, but so cheerful and pretty.
What are you doing to keep moving over 50? It’s a challenge, isn’t it? So I’d love to hear what is working for you. Also, don’t forget to stock up on activewear that motivates you a little. You can check out these and other stylish and comfortable activewear at Athleta through the shopping widget below. Thanks so much for stopping in!
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Blessed for My Day
My husband is preaching a funeral today. He’s probably officiated at hundreds of memorial services, funerals and graveside services during his 30+ years as a pastor. But, it never gets easier to minister to families who are not sure about the final destination of their loved one. Unfortunately, that’s the case today. His message will focus on comforting the family and sharing with them how they can be sure of their own destiny.
I do hope you know for certain what will happen when you die. And you can know for certain, dear friend. If you confess your sinfulness, acknowledge your need for a savior and accept the gracious gift of salvation through faith in Jesus’ death on the cross, His burial and His resurrection, you can know for certain that He is preparing a place for you in heaven. And you can trust the assurance of God’s Word, which tells us in 1 John 5:13 “that you may know that you have eternal life.” You see, Jesus gives us eternal life. But if you can lose that salvation or the assurance of it, then it’s not really eternal is it? And that’s what He offers: eternal life. So, yes, you absolutely can know for sure where you will be after death. Can I get an amen?
OĀ death, where is your victory? OĀ death, where is your sting?ā The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Good morning Kay, thank you so much for this blog! Very important and true! As a woman over 60, I try to move as much as I can, go to gym twice a week for strength training and walking every day. This helps with all aspects of life including traveling, gardening, and even house cleaning! what helps me is having a dog to walk and very comfortable and supportive sneakers! Thank you again for everything, you always look beautiful inside and outš
Dear Kay, you’re so right! Moving in our everyday life is crucial. For me, this means walking the steps instead of taking the elevator (fortunately, our house doesn’t have one, so I just have to walk up to the 3rd floor a few times a day) und cycling for most of my errands instead of taking the car. But the best I ever did to keep moving (and also for my emotional wellbeing!) is getting a dog. Two hours of brisk walking every day, all year round, rain and shine. I’m 67 and hope to keep on keeping on!
By the way, the clothes you showed are great and look so good on you! What about some really good bad weather gear?
Best, Ulrike
Amen! I have done some form of exercise my entire life. Most recently I have taken up Pilates on the Reformer because it works the entire body and is gentle. I used to work out very hard, but after 60 that doesnāt work as well for my body. I do believe MOVEMENT is the most important aspect, no matter how you achieve it. I like your idea of walking after every meal. I might try that!
Kudos to you, Kay, and to the ladies who have responded who have figured out ways to incorporate lots of movement into their days. I got a treadmill recently and try to do 30 mins a day while watching a comedy or something informative on my iPad. Getting those extra ābitesā is so important, but I still need to work on that. Nice weather certainly helps!
HI Kay! I am really guilty sitting for several hours and not exercising. I know I shouldn’t, as i am a heart patient. I will do better. I love this ourfit. I never really wore browns or tans that much. I seem to have the same coloring as you. I just bought a dress with a brown back-ground and i love it. I just thought the color would wash me out. Bur you never know until you try. Thank you for showing us your outfits. I love the way the scoop neck tee fits. Again thanks! Have a great day!
Amen to your BFMD!!! Iām sure James will be a blessing to the family.
Thanks for being real about movement. It is hard and it hard to read about those who do it so easily with lots of walking or running and workouts at the gym every day etc etc I try to get a good walk in for my day but depends on the weather fur my motivation these days and with chronic migraines it doesnāt always happen. Itās hard when health keeps you from it. I try to just keep moving when I can and stop the guilt. Iām so glad the weather is getting better now. We love to hike on trails. My happy place for sure. You look cute in your new outfit.
I love those crop track pants, they are perfect for workouts! As far as being active, I’ve enjoyed various forms of exercise throughout my life. With a primary job that involves a lot of sitting down, I always try to walk as much as possible. For scheduled workouts, currently I swim 3x/week and try to do a light workout with weights 1x/week. And lots of stretching! But I also have the advantage of having a side hustle that has physical fitness build right in: I teach dance a couple nights a week. It’s not only incredibly fun but it keeps me quite fit. So that’s how I roll. A HEARTY AMEN to your BFMD.
Last week I received my Divi hair lotion. Oh what a difference it makes! Thank you, Kay!
I dont know what the cause of your inflammation is, but I’ve have rheumatoid arthritis for 6 years and was recently diagnosed with chronic autoimmune hepatitis. Yes, frequent movement is key. I do yoga every morning and have a personal trainer twice a week. My symptoms were very severe at first, but with my constant moving schedule, people would never guess my ailments. My doctors call it “remission” but I call it common sense.
Thank you, Kay, for all you do.
Thank you for those encouraging remarks.
Dear Kay, I appreciate the way you share your faith on the blog. The Lord has spoken to me often through your BFMD devotions.
I walk 2 miles at least 5 days a week but take a ballet class and a tap class the other two days. I am 78 years old and feel fit. I have always been active and, yes you must keep moving to stay healthy. I do some house work that also helps. No sitting around for me.