When I first started surfing in Costa Rica at 50 years old, aka midlife, I realized something quickly: it wasn’t just about balance on the board or reading the waves. It was about strength. The push-ups to pop up. The legs to drive through white water. The back and shoulders to paddle with power.
And here’s the thing: strength doesn’t just help in the water. It’s the foundation for thriving in midlife.
For years, women were told cardio was the answer; walk, jog, spin, repeat. Don’t get me wrong, cardio has its place. But in midlife, when hormones are shifting and metabolism slows, cardio alone isn’t enough.
Muscle is what protects your bones, keeps your metabolism humming, and gives you the energy to live fully. Without it, you’ll feel weaker, more fatigued, and more frustrated by the changes happening in your body.
As estrogen declines, women naturally lose lean muscle mass and bone density. This is why strength training becomes non-negotiable.
This isn’t about looking “bulky.” It’s about building resilience.
Surfing reminded me of what strength feels like in action. Core stability for balance. Shoulders and back for paddling. Legs and glutes for power.
Even if you never step foot on a surfboard, the same applies in life. You want to be strong enough to carry groceries with ease, lift your grandkids, or hike that trail you’ve always dreamed about.
Strength training is about saying YES to a bigger, bolder life.
Here’s what no one tells you: getting stronger physically changes you emotionally.
Every time you lift a little heavier, push through one more rep, or master a new movement, you build trust with yourself. You learn you’re capable of more. That confidence doesn’t stay in the gym. It follows you into your relationships, career, and dreams.
If you’re new to strength training, start simple. Focus on moves that give you the most bang for your buck:
Aim for 2–3 strength workouts per week, focusing on form and consistency before adding weight.
Strength isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about lifting your life.
If you’ve been relying only on cardio, now’s the time to shift. Your body (and soul) will thank you.
This is exactly the work we do in my Rise Strong 1:1 Coaching;Â building strength for your body, confidence for your soul, and resilience for your next chapter.
Because midlife isn’t about getting smaller. It’s about getting stronger. 🌊✨
If you are looking to make a change heading into the chapter of your life, click HERE to fill out my application!Â
