Perhaps the most important thing about prioritising my health though, is it’s not just me that benefits, my children do too. Studies over the last 10 years have repeatedly found that the fitness and activity level of mothers is directly linked to the activity level of their children. The role of fathers is important of course, but it’s mothers (who are often the primary caregivers) that can have the biggest influence. So maybe this Christmas you should think about getting yourself some football boots as well as some football boots for kids? Because if they see you running around the pitch having fun with some old school sports, they are bound to want to have a go too.

I want my daughters to get excited about heading to the adidas website and choosing girls trainers because of what those shoes will enable them to do, just as many teens would love to pick out new make up. Investing in what will support their body and mind, rather than items that encourage them to cover up their natural beauty.

Why My Fitness Routine Is So Important To Me

To be that active mum who can run around and keep up with my growing children, I had to stop focusing on how I looked and start looking at how my body was working. This shift is necessary because when we hit midlife, our body changes in ways we can’t ignore. The biggest changes for women happen because of hormonal shifts, particularly a drop in oestrogen. This causes seemingly endless changes, including a natural decline of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density.

I have previously written about the fitness approaches to focus on after 40, but focussing on why it is important helps to build and maintain my motivation.

It’s about what I can do

I definitely creak more than I did 10 years ago. Sudden movements are more likely to result in pain and I get more aches and pains, so improving (and supporting) my physical capability is really important. Can I carry a full basket around the supermarket? Can I kneel down to pick up toys and get back up easily? Strength and flexibility work keeps my muscles strong and protects my bones. It’s an investment in my independence so I can be active and mobile for decades to come.

It helps my mood

I find the hormonal changes can mess with my energy, mood and anxiety levels. Regular movement, whether it’s strength training, a competitive match or even a walk with my family, gives me a huge psychological boost. It’s a great stress reliever and leaves me feeling more capable in every part of my life.

It keeps my body balanced

Having good muscle tone also helps my metabolism. Instead of worrying about every single thing I eat, I know I’m building a strong foundation that supports my overall health, energy and sleep.

Positivity Starts with What Your Body Does

The best bit about this shift is that it’s given me a new kind of body positivity. I’m not just saying “I’m ok with how I look”, I’m celebrating my body for it’s resilience and power. I’m moving my body from a place of love and gratitude, not punishment and this change can be seen by my children. But how do you get to this point? My suggestion is to change the way you measure success. Don't look at the scales, look at how you feel.

Find Joyful Movement

Stop forcing yourself to do workouts you hate. Find something you enjoy. For me, it’s interval sessions, jogging, pilates and light weight sessions.

Focus on Performance Goals

Instead of aiming to look different, aim to do different things. Maybe you want to do 10 push ups non-stop or cycle your favourite path without needing breaks after the big hills. When your goal is about performance, any aesthetic improvements are just a nice bonus.

Be Kind to Yourself

Accept that your body has changed. It’s carried and raised your children. That’s an incredible achievement. Don’t compare yourself to those around you, or even your younger self. That’s not to say you can’t achieve amazing things, just that your path there might take more time and effort.

The Message We Pass to Our Children

This is the most important part of my journey. I realised that the best health lessons I can teach my children are through being a good role model. I was always careful not to talk about diets, losing weight or talk negatively about my body around my children, but in the face of media and societal comments avoiding this talk isn’t enough, we need to actively appreciate our bodies.

Now, my children see me lift weights because I want to be strong, not small. They see me exercise because it’s fun and makes me happy, not because I’m trying to burn off dinner.

Movement is Normal

They see physical activity as a normal part of our lives, not something you do if you are trying to lose weight. We focus on family walks or games that celebrate what our bodies can do: running, jumping, balancing, not what they look like.

Food is Fuel and Joy

We talk about food in terms of nourishment and energy, not calories and guilt. This helps them build a healthy, stable relationship with eating.

Self-Acceptance in Action

By choosing to appreciate my body as it is (and investing in it’s strength), I am showing my children that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I’m teaching them that their body is a gift, but they need to look after it.


By leading the way with my own actions and beliefs I hope to be setting a path for my children to be just as confident in their own bodies.