Fit(ish) in Your 30s – Week 2
Last week, we reviewed fitness tips for the 20 somethings. With each decade there are typically new challenges and opportunities. Today, Brenda Braxton and trainer Alicia Rose focus on the 30s and the unique needs throughout this decade.
The series is called Fit (ish) and the premise behind the approach is that we all want to be healthy but we don’t want to be obsessed about it. It’s all about balance, enjoying life and being the best that we can be.
Here’s the Youtube clip from week one and week two of the series:
Your 30s can be busy as some are starting families and focused on raising kids. Others are immersed in work and perhaps taking on more responsibilities to move up in their chosen field. Either way, time is at a premium. People in their 30s need exercise efficiencies.
What’s the best fit-ish approach to exercise during this decade?
A 30-something body can still handle a more intense work-out, but time is short so efficiency is key. We need to get it done but in the least amount of time as possible.
Focus on Integrated movements – combine movements for efficiency
Squats with overhead press – Trainer Alicia Rose from Northwest Personal Training demonstrates how to combine movements
Squat & Pully Row
Lunge with curls
Pushup with Dumbbell Row
Combine strength with high intensity cardio bursts interspersed to get cardio and muscle on same day and maximize efficiencies
- Set of Squats, Rows, Lunges, Pullups and then a 30-60 second sprint/jump rope/lateral agility shuffle etc.
How can parents with young kids stay fit-ish?
Walk/jog while kids are at soccer practice
Place your child in a pack or a trailer and go for a walk or bike ride
Take kids to the park and let them play while you use the playground equipment as your gym. Play tag, frisbee, hopscotch or pickup game of soccer/basketball with your kids
Plan active biking/hiking outings with kids, family & friends
How do get rid of ‘dad’ bod and fat around the belly?
Strength training is the best route to change body composition so get in at least 2 strength workouts including core per week. Also be careful of your alcohol consumption – maybe limit it to just 2-3 days per week!
How do you stay fit-ish in your 30s if you don’t have kids?
Definitely take advantage of this time of your life, explore and live life to the fullest
- Trail running, rock-climbing, mountain biking, paddle boarding
- Adventure travel – hike the grand canyon, cycle through wine country, backpack around Mt. Hood
- Try trendy, new activities – trapeze, silks, axe throwing…
Yours in Health & Fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.