There’s something about hitting a 10-year milestone that makes you reflect.
Not just on the people you’ve worked with (and I’ve been lucky enough to work with some
absolute gems), but on the fads, fixes and fitness trends that have come and gone over the
years.
Remember when the vibrating belt machine was going to flatten your belly? Or when all we
ate was fat-free yoghurt and Ryvita? And let’s not even talk about detox teas…
But amongst all the fluff and fleeting trends, some things have stayed the course. And in my
own practice – and in the real-life results I see with my clients – I keep coming back to these
three simple wellness principles.
- Move Your Body (Even Just a Little) – Every Day
Not for punishment. Not for “burning off” last night’s dinner. But because your body needs
to move.
Even five minutes of intentional movement can have a powerful effect on your joints, your
energy levels, your posture, your mindset… and your mood.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to happen.
Try this: Do a few hip rolls before you get into bed. Go for a brisk walk at lunchtime. Or
follow one of my beginner-friendly Pilates routines – there’s a lovely one linked below. - Eat Real Food (Your Nan Was Right). Let’s keep this simple:
Eat food that looks like food.
I’m talking about vegetables, meat, eggs, proper fats, fruit, potatoes – the sort of meals your
grandmother might have made before we started overcomplicating everything.
You don’t need to cut out entire food groups or only eat kale smoothies. You just need to
fuel your body with the kind of stuff that makes you feel satisfied, not sluggish.
Top tip: If it has more than 15 ingredients and comes in shiny packaging, it’s probably not
doing your joints, hormones or energy levels any favours. - Rest is Not a Reward – It’s a Requirement. This one’s a game changer, especially in midlife.
You do not have to earn your rest. You just need it.
We’ve spent decades being told to push through, do more, be more. But your body is wiser
than that. It wants moments of calm. It thrives when you give your nervous system a break.
This could mean: - Lying on the floor and breathing for five minutes
- Saying no to a draining commitment
- Going to bed early (even if the laundry’s not folded)
Rest isn’t lazy. It’s essential. Especially if you want your strength training, Pilates, or healthy
eating to actually work.
Final Thoughts
Health and wellness don’t have to be complicated – and they certainly shouldn’t feel like a
full-time job.
If you move with purpose, eat with care, and rest without guilt, you’re doing the work. And it
does work.
Whether you’re starting out again or simply fine-tuning what you already do – these three
principles can support you through every season of life.
If you enjoyed this post…
You might be reading it as part of my Life Fitness Newsletter – in which case, thank you for
being here and making space for your wellbeing this month.
If you’ve found it on the Life Fitness website, you can join the newsletter for free and get
practical tips, inspiration, and real-life midlife wellbeing advice delivered straight to your
inbox each month.
Sign up here – I’d love to welcome you into our community.
And if you’re ready to get moving right now, you can try my Beginner’s Pilates video – it’s
short, gentle, and a great way to start feeling the benefits straight away.
Yours in fitness and health,
Helen
Life Fitness Re-engineering