We asked you to send in your thoughts and ideas about what you are doing and thinking and what kind of new products you are developing…
Here is the first in a series of posts we will do to feature, YOU… are Fabulous After 40 ladies!!
We think Lauren Traub Teton who is the founder of www.Twifties.com was the perfect gal to start things off . Lauren came up with the name “Twifties” to describe people in their 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s (and plus!) who are fit, fun, feeling good, and enjoying life.
We have found a wonderful new fangled gadget that we think many of you will love! If you like to work out at home or just stretch at home, you will want to try the new Equalizer Stretch Strap!
The Lebert Stretch Strap™ was developed with the assistance of two-time Olympian and Master Yoga Instructor, Ann Green. The Lebert Stretch Strap is a simple, yet innovative tool that will assist you in reaching positions more comfortably that may have been previously not possible and, in addition, allow you to hold the stretch longer! Comes with 2 Stretch Straps, carrying pouch, stretch poster and instructional DVD by Ann Green for just $29.99 (USD plus applicable taxes and shipping). It was the editor’s pick on Realage.
You may remember our friend Jill Knapp, who lost 100 lbs and entered a beauty pageant at the age of 40. Jill was kind enough to share her inspiring story with us in our last teleseminar, and helped motivate us to “get up and get moving!”
But motivation will only get us so far. How do we actually go about shedding that midlife bulge? That’s where a personal trainer comes in!
We asked our friend, fitness trainer Lisa Crisalle, if she would share with us some tips and techniques that women over 40 need in their regimen to keep them on track to a healthier, fitter lifestyle. Lisa, herself, underwent a lifestyle transformation that made her an award-winning Figure Competitor… at age 45! She has developed the program Over 40, Fit & Fabulous, which helps women over 40 work towards their fitness goals. In her program, Lisa breaks down mental barriers and provides her clients with the best workout and nutrition strategies to achieve their best bodies.
Lisa is going to share a few tips with us next week in our new teleseminar “Take the Pounds OFFF: How to be Over Forty, Fit and Fabulous!” This is a free teleseminar – all you have to do is sign up! We will provide you with the number, your code, and the specified call-in time.
Actually, my biggest fashion challenge is the everyday one of going to the gym. Now, I realize that I go there to get into shape, and that there never seems to be anything that I can wear wrong…it is just so depressing the way people dress. And the fact that 99% of what is out there to buy to where is either black or grey.
I want to look good now and to have bright, happy colors to wear!
Also, I wear mineral makeup, and natural as possible mascara. So how do I look good while being sweaty..and all my makeup is running off. Not to mention those God-awful florescent lights!
Thanks for caring,
Jennie
Hi Jennie,
Great questions!
You are right on track realizing that black and white is oh so common and BORING! Besides, bright colors give you the energy you need to power through a work-out.
One great tip is to drop the t-shirt and go for a nice workout top in a festive color! When you put on a cute top, it will bring up your spirits and make you feel like working out.
Style is important. Over 40 women tend to look better in tops with wider straps vs spaghetti straps.
Have fun layering. If you don’t have a lot to spend, just get a colorful workout bra to wear under your existing top. Play with color. I recently bought an orange-red bra and wore it under my lemon yellow top with my black 3/4 length pants! You can do the same with pastels if you like to wear them.
Update those sneakers! Don’t forget that support is really important. Depending on how often you work out, make sure your tennis shoes are fresh and not worn out!
Black sneakers and black socks are slimming! If you like to wear black workout pants, I love this look! Pair it with a colorful top and you will look sleek and chic!
Don’t overdo the makeup. I find that there is no need to wear mascara if you have dark lashes already. If you are blond, consider tinting them!
Moreover, foundation is a no no, when working out. Even if it is mineral, it will still clog pores. Better to just use a little concealer if you feel the need and just apply a sheer natural lipstick or gloss and a swipe of blush to give you a little glow!
Try out a sport skirt. They’re colorful, comfortable, and totally cool.
Find a fun way to wear your hair! I love to use a clip and “poof” the top just a little to give me a fuller look.
Wear a colorful bandanna for another way to keep your hair off your face!
Are you going on a cruise or somewhere warm for the holidays? Have you started thinking about a New Year’s resolution that would require dieting…?
We sure admire Faith Hill. Can you believe she has 3 kids? We are not saying that we all have to look this perfect, but it sure is fun to see someone over 40 looking this hot! (Or as we like to say…looking Age-mazing!) This photo of Faith on the cover of Shape Magazine, is the perfect thing to print out and put on the fridge for inspiration to stay on track!
If you need a new fun way to work out , we love using our Mark Lebert Equalizer. You can check it out here!
A recent FAF reader wrote to us and asked, “What are the best ways to stay healthy and fit?” We all know that if we can get our bodies looking at least “fit”, than buying and looking good in clothes will be a lot easier! So we passed off the question to our favorite Health and Wellness Guru, Lisa Crisalle, (owner of www.OverFortyFitandFabulous.com) and here is her answer:
After 40 we generally find it more challenging to “stay on track” however here are a few quick tips to help you feel and look great (at any age)!
1st – Stay active, keep moving and choose activities that you LOVE! So, next time you go to the mall, park farther away and walk! Choose the stairs over the elevator and take advantage of the summertime and plan more outdoor activities (like hiking, biking or power walking). In fact, next time you plan time to get together with your girlfriends – meet them at a park or hiking trail with a bottle of water (instead of meeting and sharing a bottle of wine). If you have children (or a dog), take them to the park and throw a Frisbee (when is the last time you did that?) How about joining a Zumba class (never heard of it – check with your local YMCA or gym).
The key is – Have Fun!!
2nd - Choose what I call an 80/20 clean eating meal plan. What do I mean by that? Simple – 80% of the time stick to fresh produce, and unprocessed foods. Lean proteins such as chicken breasts, white fish, and lean fillet mignon, or low-fat cottage cheese. And, always combine a protein with a complex carbohydrate (rice, yams, oatmeal, multi-grain bread) and fresh vegetables. Keep your fresh fruit to mornings and lunch and avoid fruit juice.
Since it is still summer time, take advantage of your local farmer’s markets and have fun with color! Stay away from sodas at all costs, and processed foods – they will gunk you up and slow you down. That means that 20% of the time (each week), allow yourself some freedom with a nice glass of wine, a special desert, or an extra slice of bread with butter.
The key is to plan for the 20% (if you have a special event, or get-together with friends). Plan for it and you won’t “fall off the wagon.” Be sure to get right back to your 80% and you will feel amazing.
3rd – Your mindset is key. Set a goal of where you would like to be and what EXACTLY that would look like. What clothes or outfit will you be wearing, how will you feel, and how will you carry yourself? Remember, you have choices every day. Make the best choices at least 80% of the time (I truly recommend pushing it to a 90/10 split if you are truly on a mission), and that will leave you a little “fudge factor” for your special times. Use pictures as reminders and visualizing techniques are truly effective.
Most importantly, KEEP IT FUN!! Because when you feel great, you feel empowered and it is a beautiful upward spiral. ~Lisa Crisalle, CFNS
Have you looked in the mirror lately and said, “Yuck, when did that happen?”
We’ve been talking to fitness expert, Lisa Crisalle about how to be fit and fabulous after 40! On the call Lisa, gave us tons of her tips on how to get rid of our tummy pooches, among other things.
She’s created a new fitness program to help midlife women set a goal and stay motivated to reach it! It’s called:OVER 40 FIT AND FABULOUS!
This 12 week program combines:
group and private conference calls
nutritional counseling
goal setting
and MUCH MORE…
To see Lisa’s transformation take place right before your eyes!Click Here.
Did you know that wearing a heart rate monitor is one of the best ways to keep you motivated during exercising?
Tired of carrying around a clunky heart rate monitor at the gym? To eliminate this less-than-glamorous accessory, Numetrex has created a line of clothing that contains tiny sensors which track your heart rate and relay it to a heart rate monitor watch.
Wow! Its built right into the the jogging bra, so it makes it easy!
If you need more motivation, be on the look out for our next FREE Tele-seminar, with fitness guru, Lisa Crisalle! More info to come soon!
We came across a GREAT blog recently, to help those who are trying to lose weight and just need a little support.
Over at Slim People In Progress, you can be part of an inspiring group of people from all across the country who are dieting and exercising, while staying in touch via email.
Our friend Denise Wakeman and founder of The Blog Squad, just 2 years ago, found herself in her mid 40′s with about 30 pounds to loose. Knowing that she might really stick with it, she convinced a friend to do it with her and they both signed up for Weight Watchers!
Denise is a blogger in real life (www.buildabetterblog.com) and so started up Slim People inProgress, to document and help inspire others like herself to share tips, trials and successes.
She says that the site has helped her stay motivated and loved hearing other’s resources.
"I’ve lost 30 pounds since I started and work out now more than ever, and I have even trained for a 1/2 marathon!", says Wakeman. "I have it all documented on the site!"
What started off as a weight watchers support group, has now morphed into a weight loss and fitness site!
Are you going to be going on a cruise this summer?
Do you want to make sure that when your on the dance floor at your next wedding that your moves are "with it" and current? Do you need to spice up your next girls night out party?
We came across a fun video that is a great alternative to traditional exercise!
Check it out… it just might spark a new hobby for you!!
If your New Year’s resolution was all about working out and getting fit, then here’s a simple trick to make that stick. You’re sure to stay motivated while you sweating it out if you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror looking fab in a fresh, hot looking new workout outfit!
Workout fashions are always changing, so here are a few of the latest looks you might want to add to your athletic wardrobe.
A great workout look is all about layering…You can peel one layer off at a time, depending on how hard you are exercising.
Outerwear
On your way to the gym, why not wrap yourself up in this cozy fun fleece with flair! This Beyond Yoga Scarf Jacket in heather grey is a great example of how athletic wear has become multifunctional. It works as well for exercise as it does for coffee date at Starbucks.
Metallics
This season it’s all about metallic, so how about putting a little sparkle in your workout wear with this Zoot Ultra Softshell. This aerodynamic jacket has 3 layer technology offering insulation wind and weather protection. It also has fun features like a nutrition pocket and headphone grommet for your ipod.
Fitted Tops
Form Fitting Styles that hug your curves, but are stretchy enough to move with you are a lot hipper than a big old oversized t-shirt! Whether you are going to yoga, or weight training, its makes it feel more fun if you are dressed in a top with some color and style. This purple Zoot Tri-fit tank is a great example of that. It features a 360 bra and comes in pink, blue, aqua and white.
Lots of Color
Bright colors are the newest trend this spring, especially in athletic wear. You’ll feel energized in this Zoot RUNfit in-flight cami in this gorgeous pink jewel shade. It has a medium support built-in bra with ventilating mesh to keep you dry and comfy.
Beautylicious Bottoms
Shake your booty in these popular Lululemon Reverse no side seam pants. The wide colorful band atop of the form fitting black pants magically makes you look like you have a gorgeous bottom. Also, if you’re tall, you’ll love the fact that they come in extra long too. A personal favorite of ours, they are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off!
Playing with Patterns
Target hits the mark as usual with this C9 by Champion Yoga Long Racer back tank. When you are sick of solids try this fresh, youthful pattern in lemon yellow.
Shapely Bras
Tired of workout bras that flatten you like a pancake then here are a couple to keep you looking perky. This sleek Nike high support full control bra has stabilizing zones in the shoulder straps. The cups are also lightly padded for a flattering shape. Zip it right up or a little down peeking out from under a tank for a sexy, sporty look.
Nothing worse than feeling some nagging little something irritating your skin while your doing your crunches. This Natori soft cotton blend underwire sports bra gives great lift and support but was thoughtfully designed to prevent hardware from touching the skin. No more rubbing or metal marks.
Latest Running Shoes
Stay motivated with these state of the art running shoes cheer you on like a coach. These Nike Women’s Shox RGN Remix+2 runners have a special chip that goes right in your shoe, so you can communicate with your iPod Nano. To read more about this modern marvel click here
Less high-tech and more fashion forward are these beautiful motorsport-inspired Puma wheelspin sneakers in black and baby blue. They’re beautiful for the gym or just to race around town in.
Accessories
No need to be dragging along a sport bag that drags you down. This bright and cheery athletic tote by Lululemon, could easily double as your everyday purse it is so stylish! The bag is locker compatible and the strap doubles as a yoga mat strap when not in use!
Something Extra
In this cold weather, its hard to want to leave the house, but now you can with a warm drink in tow! Try taking along one of these Zen like Tea Travelers to your next pilates class, to keep your muscles warm and working.
If you’re like us…you know we should exercise, but it’s not always fun to have to do so.
We’ve noticed that a crop of new types of exercise classes that have women sweating and loving it! It must be all the hype of Dancing with the Stars, because new forms of aerobics classes are cropping up everywhere!
I (JoJami) recently found a Cha Cha aerobics class in my area that I started attending. You don’t need anything special to wear. Just go in workout clothes and tennis shoes. The hour long class was packed with women and a few guys. We were taught basic ballroom steps and practiced them to lots of different pop and cha cha music.
Then, while out in LA, I took a what turned out to be the funnest exercise class ever…a Salsa aerobics class. This was where the teacher put on tons of wild latin music and proceeded to give us a little dance combination that was easy to follow, but that helped us all work up a great sweat! Both classes had a nice little warm-up and cool down so that even the novice dancer felt at ease.
If you have a love of dancing, what a way to “step together, step together, hip, bump”,the pounds away!
We all know that if we can get our bodies looking at least “fit”, than buying and looking good in clothes will be a lot easier! So we passed off the question to our favorite Health and Wellness Guru, 
We came across a GREAT blog recently, to help those who are trying to lose weight and just need a little support.
She says that the site has helped her stay motivated and loved hearing other’s resources. 
Do you need to spice up your next girls night out party?
