Why Most Women in Their 40s, 50s, and 60s Get Fitness Wrong (Especially During Menopause)


Jun 15, 2025

 by Kim Bouldin
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Why Most Women in Their 40s, 50s, and 60s Get Fitness Wrong (Especially During Menopause)

Let’s be honest—navigating fitness in your 40s, 50s, or 60s feels a little like walking into a gym that forgot you exist.

One moment, you're powering through life like a boss… the next, menopause shows up like an uninvited houseguest who messes with your sleep, steals your energy, and insists belly fat is here to stay.

The good news? You’re not broken. You’re just following advice that wasn’t made for you.

Here at FabYOUlous Fitness, a gym for women navigating midlife, we hear it all the time:

  • "I used to work out all the time. Nothing works now."

  • "Cardio used to melt the weight off!"

  • "I just want to feel like me again."

So what’s going wrong? Let’s break down why traditional fitness fails women in menopause—and what you can do differently to thrive, not just survive.

Mistake #1: Still Chasing the Cardio High

You’ve been taught your whole life that more cardio = more fat loss. But during menopause, that equation falls apart.

What’s happening: Estrogen drops, cortisol rises, and your body becomes more sensitive to stress. Endless hours on the treadmill? That’s stress. Too much cardio can spike cortisol even further, leading to stubborn fat (especially around your middle).

What to do instead: Prioritize strength training. It builds lean muscle, boosts metabolism, and helps regulate blood sugar (which tends to get wacky during menopause). Plus, muscle is your best friend for maintaining energy, posture, and independence.

Mistake #2: Eating Less… and Less… and Still Gaining

When the scale creeps up, the knee-jerk reaction is to eat like a bird. But cutting calories too low in your 40s and beyond can backfire hard.

Why it doesn’t work: Your metabolism slows with age—but it slows even more when your body goes into “survival mode.” You lose muscle, your energy tanks, and your body clings to every calorie like it’s a rare gem.

What to do instead: Focus on fueling your body. Protein is queen, especially post-workout. And don’t fear healthy fats or carbs. The key is balance, not restriction.

Mistake #3: Going It Alone

Between kids, careers, aging parents, and the hot flashes from hell, it’s easy to feel like you're juggling fire… blindfolded.

But the biggest mistake? Thinking you have to figure it all out on your own.

Why it matters: Support and structure are game-changers. At FabYOUlous Fitness, we’re not just a gym for women—we’re a community. You get expert coaching, a personalized plan, and a circle of women who get it.

This isn't about bikini bodies. It's about energy to do what you love. Confidence in your own skin. And showing up strong for the people who count on you.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Strength Training Because It Seems Intimidating

Let’s squash the myth once and for all: lifting weights won’t make you bulky.

What it will do:

  1. Help you lose fat (yes, even belly fat)
  2. Improve bone density (bye-bye osteoporosis)
  3. Boost your mood and mental clarity
  4. Help with balance and injury prevention
  5. Keep you independent and strong for years to come

At FabYOUlous, our strength programs are built for women just like you—no machines, no meatheads, no judgment. Just smart, effective training that makes you feel like a powerhouse.

Mistake #5: Believing This Is Just “How It Is Now”

Feeling tired, sluggish, and out of sync with your body? That’s common… but it’s not your new normal.

You don’t have to accept sleepless nights, creeping weight gain, or mystery aches and pains. You just need a plan that’s made for this chapter of life—not your 20s.

Here’s What Actually Works:

→ Strength-based workouts 2–3x/week
→ Recovery and mobility sessions (especially if your body feels stiff or “off”)
Nutrition that supports hormones—not fights them
→ Consistency over perfection
→ Community and coaching (because success is easier with support)

You Deserve Better Than Generic Fitness Advice

Menopause isn’t a setback—it’s a wake-up call. Your body is changing. Your approach to fitness should too.

That’s why FabYOUlous Fitness exists. We’re not your average gym. We’re a gym for women who are tired of guessing, tired of cookie-cutter programs, and ready to feel in control again.

Whether you’re new to exercise or getting back into it, we’ll meet you where you are—and help you build strength, energy, and confidence that lasts.

Ready to Feel FabYOUlous?

Let’s talk.

We offer a free consultation where you’ll sit down with one of our expert coaches, talk through your goals, and walk away with real answers (not a sales pitch).

  1. Learn what’s working against you right now
  2. Discover how to train smarter—not harder
  3. See how FabYOUlous Fitness can help you feel strong, supported, and seen

Click below to book your free consultation today.
Let’s make this chapter your strongest one yet.

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