Are you seeing the results you want? If not, you might not be training hard enough.
Unfortunately, we can’t control how fast our bodies change.
But nonetheless, we are in control of the actions we take.
As we approach our 50’s and beyond, it becomes quite apparent that what worked in our 20’s and 30’s is no longer working.
Be assured it isn’t all doom and gloom.
New here? Thanks for stopping by or welcome back. After you read this blog, be sure to check out some of my other articles for women over 50 who want to lose body fat, build muscle, create phenomenal bodies they love.
As a woman approaching or over 50, you likely have more obstacles to climb than in years past.
As part of those obstacles, you are likely experiencing symptoms related to a combination of menopause, inactivity, a slowing metabolism and a loss of muscle.
The most common complaint expressed by women over 50 is an increase in body fat, especially around the waistline.
6 Signs you're training hard enough after 50
While not every workout needs to be a killer workout. And, you do not need to feel like you could sleep for a week.
For serious results, it will require hard work.
And, it will be worth the effort!
Are you training hard enough?... Stay focused
Your only thought is pushing or pulling that weight one more time. You aren’t thinking about what’s for dinner or the project deliverable at work. You’re also spending very little if any time chit chatting with others.
I know socializing while we workout can make training more fun. I love having a training partner. They can be motivating, and great spotters for when you want to push your limits.
I recommend agreeing up front that you’ll save any significant socializing for after the workout. How about grabbing a post-workout shake while you chat?
You're tired and energized after your workout
You know you trained hard when you are tired at the end of your workout and at the same time, you feel energized.
You should not be so tired that you can barely drag yourself to the car or to the shower (if you workout at home).
Your strength training feels like cardio
In other words, you’re breathing hard. You should feel the need to “rest” for a minute before completing your next set to allow your breathing to resume to normal.
If you can run through your entire workout without short rests, you probably are not training hard enough.
Keep in mind, not every training session needs to be intense. Your body will benefit from periodic less strenuous workouts.
Training should leave you hungry
If you’re training hard, you’re going to be hungry after your workout. I eat almost immediately after my workouts, which gives me a new boost of energy.
Training hard helps you sleep
Sleep like a baby. Sleep becomes so critical when we are building muscle. During our strength training workout, we are creating micro tears in the muscle (I know. Sounds bad. But, is really a good thing. It’s how we get stronger.) These muscle tears repair themselves while we sleep.
When you train hard...You see results
The ultimate sign of whether you’re training hard enough is your results. While there are other factors that play a part, how hard you train is a big one.
Results come in many forms.
- Physical results you see in the mirror, like less belly fat, or more defined arms.
- Strength gains when you can lift a heavier weight or do more reps with the same weight.
- You may also experience feeling less stressed, having more energy, increased flexibility, or less joint pain, to name a few. These benefits are often the first to be seen and aren’t as dependent on how hard you are training. Nonetheless, they are extremely valuable benefits from training.
If you’re loving your results, keep doing what you’re doing. If not, consider what changes you could make to incorporate one or more of the above 5 tips.
One last thing…
You may be doing all the right things. If you aren’t doing them consistently, you’re missing out on the incredible results you want.