Lisa's age delaying plan

Hands up who’s having a birthday this year? Yep just as I thought everybody has a birthday every year. Aging, its inevitable and every year, I don’t know about you but I seem to not get excited about it as much and in fact want to deny that I’m older. Once upon a time I used to love the thought of my birthday, the party and the pressies I might get. But now I seem to shun it like the plague and want to hide myself away to preserve every once of my youngness!.

When I do manage to train, my joints feel little sore afterwards. Must be from all those years of ‘abuse’ trying to be the strong woman, so now my weights are little lighter and reps are little higher to save my body.

After saying all that though, I’m probably not doing too bad compared to some people my age. Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I said that as only ‘old’ people say that don’t they? And I’m trying to convince myself I’m not old. And no I’m not saying how old I am. But will tell you I’m not 40! Although I have profiled some amazing 40somethings on Go Figure so I can see it is possible to be gorgeous in your 40s.

Thus far I’ve lived a pretty healthy life which I hope has reflected in my charming good looks and character, lol. And I aim to keep that way!

So here’s my plan to try and fend off the age monster and prolong my youthfulness. I know, I’m so vain but I’m sure I’m not the only one. If you have any anti-aging tips then feel free to email them to me.

Stay rounded. No I don’t mean try and get life experience from all facets (although that is very very important!) but I mean try and have some fat on your body. Especially on your face! I know, its very contradictory, coming from someone who’s into fitness saying ‘get round’. But if you get too lean and stay too thin, your face gets thin and you look older. Having some fat, especially wee bit on your face will help you look younger and keep you away from that botox for another year.

Don’t get too bulky. I know if I use too heavy weights (and not do enough cardio) I get the bulky look going on. The more bulk you have, the more likely it is to make you look fat in later life. Its ok for guys as they can pull off the ex bodybuilder look, but not ok for girls I don’t think! If you have this weight on in your 30s it’ll be harder to keep it off as your metabolism slows down as you get older. So ladies, if you’re in your mid or late 30s, no more pigging out on any food too often as your body will store is as fat more easily. Ofcourse this will also depend on your genetics, if you need to look at how you might look like in the future then check out your Mum’s structure.

Train, but not obsessively! I’ve definitely changed my training and have deliberately done more cardio (but not obsessively) and changed my weight training regime to incorporate more dynamic and core exercises rather than muscle enlargement focused exercises.

I’m incorporating more bodyweight exercises and using my whole body more than the typical weight training regime in an effort to stay fit and mobile. I sound like an old girl don’t I?!! Try not to do too much hard core running that might be hard on the joints. Have you noticed how some runners and endurance athletes look quite old for their age hmmmm. Food for thought.

Don’t get too thin. Conversely, don’t let your body get too thin as it’ll just make you look older. If you’re naturally thin then you’re excused (!) but if you’re not try and get a balance between what’s healthy for your body and your mind.

Be Natural! Keep make up to minimum. I’ve never been big into makeup and being all girly. I think makeup can be more damaging to the skin than what you’re trying to hide. I occasionally put moisturiser on my face but that’s about it. As I get older, I may consider putting stuff on my face but it’ll have to be pretty natural as I do have allergies to some chemicals which makes me go all puffy. Can’t win eh?!

Stay out of the sun. Anybody who knows me knows I hate the sun and wear a hat at the slight hint of sunrays potentially hitting my face. I loathe lying down sunbathing so Fiji has never been a destination for me – Go Figure! And sunbeds are a no no for me too as I just can’t lie down and do nothing for 20mins or how ever long I’m supposed to. I think being a sun phobe has helped to stave off the wrinkles so make sure you slip slop slap if you go outside.

Eat lightly and regularly. If you’re a keen bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast you’ll already know to eat 5-6 meals a day rather than 3 large high cal meals. Its been in my lifestyle to eat medium to high protein throughout the day with moderate carbs, keep complex carbs out of my night meals so no doubt I’ll continue to do this even if I have false teeth and have to drink my food – which will probably have protein powder in it..ha ha.

Drink Plenty of water. Most of you will probably know this but always good to be remined. Try and drink at least 3 litres a day as this will keep your skin hydrated and beautiful soft. Yes you too boys!

Use supplements. I haven’t taken a lot of supplements in the past except for protein powder, chromium and flax oil. But I’m more conscious to increase my antioxidants to kill those free radicals that will age me! So vitamin C will increase especially in the winter months. I’ve also started taking glucosamine and increase my fish oils to help keep my joints in good knick so I can keep working out without the pain.

Stretch. Making stretching as part of your workout plan is a great way to keep your joints and muscles supple. Also by keeping those stretch reflexes will decrease the risks of hip or knee displacements if you happen to fall from your wheelchair or your cane slips.

Have a passion and have fun! I think its important to not stress and get too wound up about things too much. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and do things that make you happy. I love fitness and feeling healthy so it'll always be part of my life but more importainly is finding people who share your passion so you can be youthful together! Like me and Belinda, and our mission to have heaps of fun in our new venture, the Shapeshifters Bootcamp so we can stay young.

Life is about having fun so as long as I'm feeling happy then I'll be young forever...even if I'm in a rocking chair.

Happy Birthday to me!!
Lisa