Skip to content
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

51-Year-Old Trainer Reveals 6 Exercises for a “Sezzy” Back

Get a chiseled back with this fitness trainer’s short but effective routine.

Alicia_Erickson_Alicia_Erikson_aliciae_Midlife_Maven1

We know you want six-pack abs, but how about a six-pack back? Alicia Erikson is popping the lid on the workout that keeps her looking half her age. In a new social media post, the health and fitness influencer, AKA “The Midlife Maven,” reveals how she achieved a six-pack back in her fifties. “Who wants to grow a 6-pack back?! Let’s goooooo!! Here’s your lift!” she says.


Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Her first exercise is pull-ups or lat pulldowns. She does 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps. “Use assistance bands or a machine if needed, or load with weight on lat pulldown,” she says in her post.

RELATED:4 Daily Habits This Weight Loss Coach Uses to Make Clients “Unrecognizable”

Barbell Bent-Over Rows

Up next? Barbell bent-over rows. She does 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps. “Keep your back flat and hinge at the hips, pulling the bar toward your lower ribcage,” she says.

T-Bar Rows

Her third exercise is T-bar rows. She does 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps. “Use a neutral grip handle for variety,” she says.

RELATED:Woman Who Lost 20 Pounds Shares 8 Ways to Burn Calories Without Exercise

Dumbbell Single-Arm Rows

Next up, dumbbell single-arm rows. She recommends doing 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side. “Use a bench for support and pull the dumbbell toward your hip,” she says.

Face Pulls

Face pulls are next on her back workout routine. She does 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. “Use a rope attachment on a cable machine; pull toward your face while keeping elbows high,” she says.

Straight-Arm Pulldowns

Her last exercise? Straight-arm pulldowns. She does 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. “Use a cable machine and keep arms straight, pulling down in an arc motion,” she says.

Other Tips

Alicia offers more tips. “Take 60–90 seconds rest between sets,” she says. She also stresses the importance of progressive overload. “Gradually increase weight or reps over time,” she says. Also, maintain form. “Slow and controlled movements and a full range of motion. Do not rush your reps! Don’t forget to have fun!! You’re growing a Sezzy back!”

RELATED:10 Ways Caitlin Clark Built Her Six-Pack Abs For Time Magazine's Cover Shoot

Strength Training

In another video, she discusses the importance of strength training. “I love to lift heavy stuff in the gym five to six days per week,” she says in the video. “I lift 5-6 days a week progressive overload - I follow a body part split (we should call it a hot girl split, pfft) because I love it. 3 lower body and 3 upper body days,” she adds in the caption. The Mayo Clinic explains that strength and weight training helps reduce body fat, preserves and increases lean muscle mass, and burns calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Walking and Hiking

She also “hits the trail as much as possible” and does lots of walking daily. “10-12k steps daily. I really love walking and hiking,” she explains. Why should you walk, per science? One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

More For You

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We know you want six-pack abs, but how about a six-pack back? Alicia Erikson is popping the lid on the workout that keeps her looking half her age. In a new social media post, the health and fitness influencer, AKA “The Midlife Maven,” reveals how she achieved a six-pack back in her fifties. “Who wants to grow a 6-pack back?! Let’s goooooo!! Here’s your lift!” she says.


Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Her first exercise is pull-ups or lat pulldowns. She does 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps. “Use assistance bands or a machine if needed, or load with weight on lat pulldown,” she says in her post.

RELATED:4 Daily Habits This Weight Loss Coach Uses to Make Clients “Unrecognizable”

Barbell Bent-Over Rows

Up next? Barbell bent-over rows. She does 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps. “Keep your back flat and hinge at the hips, pulling the bar toward your lower ribcage,” she says.

T-Bar Rows

Her third exercise is T-bar rows. She does 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps. “Use a neutral grip handle for variety,” she says.

RELATED:Woman Who Lost 20 Pounds Shares 8 Ways to Burn Calories Without Exercise

Dumbbell Single-Arm Rows

Next up, dumbbell single-arm rows. She recommends doing 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side. “Use a bench for support and pull the dumbbell toward your hip,” she says.

Face Pulls

Face pulls are next on her back workout routine. She does 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. “Use a rope attachment on a cable machine; pull toward your face while keeping elbows high,” she says.

Straight-Arm Pulldowns

Her last exercise? Straight-arm pulldowns. She does 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. “Use a cable machine and keep arms straight, pulling down in an arc motion,” she says.

Other Tips

Alicia offers more tips. “Take 60–90 seconds rest between sets,” she says. She also stresses the importance of progressive overload. “Gradually increase weight or reps over time,” she says. Also, maintain form. “Slow and controlled movements and a full range of motion. Do not rush your reps! Don’t forget to have fun!! You’re growing a Sezzy back!”

RELATED:10 Ways Caitlin Clark Built Her Six-Pack Abs For Time Magazine's Cover Shoot

Strength Training

In another video, she discusses the importance of strength training. “I love to lift heavy stuff in the gym five to six days per week,” she says in the video. “I lift 5-6 days a week progressive overload - I follow a body part split (we should call it a hot girl split, pfft) because I love it. 3 lower body and 3 upper body days,” she adds in the caption. The Mayo Clinic explains that strength and weight training helps reduce body fat, preserves and increases lean muscle mass, and burns calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Walking and Hiking

She also “hits the trail as much as possible” and does lots of walking daily. “10-12k steps daily. I really love walking and hiking,” she explains. Why should you walk, per science? One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Finding time to hit the gym isn't always possible. Whether it's a busy schedule, lack of transportation, or simply preferring to work out at home, getting a proper back workout without equipment might seem challenging.


Enter Cori Lefkowith, founder of Redefining Strength. With over 800,000 YouTube subscribers trusting her expertise, she's made it her mission to help people build strength wherever they are. Today, she shares her top three back exercises that require nothing more than your body weight and items you already have at home.

Why Your Back Needs Attention

"There's often one muscle group overlooked and underworked in our body weight workouts, especially when we don't have any equipment on hand, and that muscle group is our backs," Cori explains in her post. While we regularly do push-ups for the chest and shoulders or squats for the legs, back exercises often get forgotten in-home workouts.

Exercise 1: The Wall or Floor Scapular Hold

The first exercise requires only a wall or floor. "This move is honestly something I even include for my clients in the gym because of how amazing it is for back activation and scapular control," says Cori. This versatile exercise can be performed as either an isometric hold or with repetitions.

Key technique points:

  • Position yourself against a wall or on the floor
  • Push through your elbows while drawing shoulder blades together
  • Press your chest out
  • Keep your core engaged throughout.

RELATED: 51-Year-Old Coach Loses 6 Sizes in 30 Days With 4 Simple Daily Habits

Exercise 2: The Doorway Row Master

Your doorway or stairwell becomes your rowing station with this exercise. "With this move, your body weight will be your own resistance, and you'll feel not only your back and biceps, but even your legs and core," Cori shares. The key is focusing on driving your elbows back rather than just pulling with your arms.

Options include:

  • Single-arm rows
  • Two-arm rows
  • Anti-rotational variations
  • Rotational pulls.

Exercise 3: The Towel Technique

Don't underestimate the power of a simple towel. "Using a towel, you can actually work your back in so many different ways from rows to flies, to even pull downs," Cori demonstrates. The effectiveness comes from creating self-resistance through the towel.

Towel exercise variations:

  • Self-resistant rows
  • Bent-over rows
  • Pull-downs
  • Single-arm flies.

Making These Moves Work for You

For beginners, Cori recommends starting with wall-based movements. "The wall is a bit easier to control than the floor. And the less you walk your feet away from the wall, the more modified the move is," she advises. This makes these exercises adaptable to every fitness level.

Advanced practitioners can challenge themselves by:

  • Increasing hold times
  • Adding controlled rotations to rows
  • Using towel exercises with increased tension
  • Incorporating dynamic movements.

Form First, Always

To maximize results, Cori emphasizes proper form: "The key is not just pulling with your arms but actually driving your elbows back. You want to feel your shoulder blade move towards your spine, engaging your back to power the pull."

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 4 Signs You're Eating Too Much Fiber

Last Word From the Trainer

Cori shares her final advice: "There's always a way to get results training with what we have." These three exercises prove that building a stronger back doesn't require a gym membership – just commitment and proper technique. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gym
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you can skip your workout. As you age, it is actually more important than ever to build muscle – especially if you want to avoid injury. Nikolai Puchlov, Head Coach & Founder of Pro Kettlebell, offers Body Network a guide to strength training at age 60 with six moves, all of which can be done with a kettlebell. “Growing stronger with age is a pursuit worth embracing,” he says. “You may be 60 years young, but you don’t need to succumb to atrophy. Let me share with you six invigorating strength training moves tailored for seasoned individuals like yourself.”


The Squat Curl

Nikolai_Puchlov12Nikolai Puchlov

“The squat curl is a fantastic exercise that not only strengthens your biceps but also improves ankle and hip mobility,” says Nikolai. Here’s how to do it:

  • Use a kettlebell with a two-handed grip.
  • Sit down into a deep squat, aiming for the full range of motion.
  • Optionally, use a low stool to assist in maintaining proper form.
  • Perform curls from this position, keeping shoulders, elbows, and wrists aligned.

Narrow Push-Ups

Nikolai_Puchlov14Nikolai Puchlov

Nikolai recommends this exercise for the upper body.

  • Position your hands directly under the shoulders, elbows snug against the ribs.
  • Feel the burn as you perform push-ups, perhaps elevating your hands on kettlebells for an extra challenge.

Twisted Pullovers

Nikolai_Puchlov16Nikolai Puchlov

“Improve lat strength and back mobility with twisted pullovers,” says Nikolai.

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and legs twisted to one side.
  • Hold a kettlebell with both hands and perform a C-shaped motion from overhead to your lower chest.
  • Maintain parallel forearms throughout the movement.

RELATED:#1 Best Cardio Tip For People Over 40

The CPR Crunch

Nikolai_Puchlov15Nikolai Puchlov

No more “jelly belly” with the CPR crunch, says Nikolai.

  • Lie down, legs raised, and grasp a kettlebell with locked arms.
  • Pulse through short crunches, engaging those abs and aiming to lift just enough to feel those shoulder blades leave the mat.

Loaded Stop Squats

Nikolai_Puchlov13Nikolai Puchlov

If you want “legs like oak trees,” do the loaded stop squat, Nikolai recommends.

  • Hold that kettlebell and squat.
  • Pause at the bottom for a moment of reflection before rising again.

Suitcase Deadlifts

Nikolai_Puchlov11Nikolai Puchlov

“Build overall strength with suitcase deadlifts,” says Nikolai.

  • Stand between two kettlebells.
  • Keep the kettlebells between your heels and toes.
  • Maintain a flat lumbar and upright posture as you lift and lower the kettlebells.

Here Is Why Exercise Is Important for Older Adults

Confident old pensioner is spending time in gymShutterstock

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health if you are an older adult. “It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others,” they say.

RELATED: Andrea Simulus Reveals “Best Program for a Lean and Sculpted Body”

Here Is How Much Exercise You Need

Nikolai_Puchlov_HeadshotNikolai Puchlov

The CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity, such as hiking, jogging, or running. They also need at least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are over age 65, aim for two strength training workouts per week.

Liz_Hilliard19
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Starting to exercise when you are older can seem overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, a few simple exercises can help you achieve your dream body, according to one fitness expert. Liz Hilliard, 70, looks half her age and seems to know the secret to longevity. The pilates instructor, who trains out of her studio, Hilliard Studio Method, recently spoke to Body Network and revealed her top 7 exercises for staying in shape – and you can do all of them at home.


Plank

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Her first exercise is the plank. “It can be done on the forearms or with straight arms and either supported on the knees or with straight legs,” she says. What are the benefits? “Strong Core for strength of the spine and flattened abdominals,” she says.

Push Ups

Hilliard Studio Method | ALL IN HAUS

Her second exercise is an old-school push-up. “Can be achieved with legs straight or knees on the floor,” she says. Never done a push-up? “Begin by leaning against a wall at an angle with your hands slightly wider than your chest. Bend your elbows, taking your chest to elbow level to protect your shoulders while simultaneously strengthening them. A pushup is simply a moving plank that engages your core muscles and strengthens your upper body and back as well.”

RELATED: 5 Signs Your Weight Gain Is Hormonal and How to Fix It

Bicep Curls with Squats

Liz Hilliard-The bicep curl with squats

Next up, bicep curls with squats “using either light hand weights or resistance bands,” she says.

“Stand with your core engaged, then bend your knees while pushing your seat back as if to sit in a chair, simultaneously bending at the elbows and adding a bicep curl.”

Rows

Liz-Hilliard-Row

Another beneficial exercise is rowing with either hand weights or resistance bands. “Stand with your core connected, hinging your body at the waist forward with weights or resistance bands in hand, then rowing from straight arms low to high by bending your elbows close to your side waist, feeling the back muscles engage and strengthen,” she says.

Note: when using resistance bands, stand evenly on top of them, holding the ends in your hand where you can control the amount of resistance.

Tricep Dips

Liz Hilliard-tricep dips

Next, triceps dips “utilizing gravity as your mode of resistance,” she says. “Sit on the floor with your hands facing forward just behind you, engage your core to lift your bottom off the floor, then simply bend and extend elbows 8 to 12 times to strengthen and sculpt your triceps (back of your arms.” You can also sit on a chair, shifting forward until your seat is suspended in the air with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, then bend and straighten elbows 8 to 12 times.

Quadriceps

Liz Hilliard-quads

Quadriceps are also great. “Stand with heels together, toes apart at a 45-degree angle. Bend knees, traveling hips straight down toward the heels, keeping your knees in line with toes, never sinking below knee level or to a point where you feel stress on the knee joints,” she says. “Slowly travel down and back up 8 to 12 repetitions.” She notes that this is best done with one hand against a wall until you build the core and leg strength to do without support.

RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds in 5 Months After Making This 1 Simple Change

Hamstrings Utilizing Hip Lifts

Liz Hilliard-Hamstrings

Her last exercise is hamstrings utilizing hip lifts. “Lie flat on the floor with knees bent and feet under your knees. Engage your core with a slight pelvic tilt to lift your hips off the ground. Keep your head and shoulders on the ground lower, and lift your hips 8 to 12 times. Then, hold at the top and do 8 to 12 gentle tucks of the hips to fully engage the back of the legs and buttocks. To advance this hamstring exercise, lift one leg in the air while keeping your hips level so you can focus on one leg at a time,” she says.

She Also Does Pilates

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Pilates is Hilliard’s main form of fitness, which she discovered when she was 48 “and immediately felt incredibly challenged. I even had fun, which led me to become certified in Pilates,” she says. In 2002, she opened her first personal Pilates training studio. “It was a successful business, and my clients were seeing real results. However, at age 51, while going through menopause, I noticed despite my Pilates workout, my belly fat was increasing, and my overall strength was decreasing as well, aka flabby arms and sagging bottom.

She Fused Pilates and Strength Training

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

She has found that when combined with strength training, it makes the perfect workout. “Inspired by my daughter, who was getting married and sculpting up for her wedding, I began researching heavy resistance training and hired my own personal trainer to try to sculpt my 51-year-old, menopausal body. We implemented heavy weight training, and I was determined to debunk the ‘bulking’ myth that most women feel about weightlifting,” she added.

RELATED: 4 Simple Ways I Toned My Body Without Shedding a Single Pound

You Can Take Classes at Her Studio

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

“The short story is that adding heavier resistance training to my core-centric Pilates workout began to sculpt my body in ways I hadn’t seen before using only traditional Pilates. That’s when I devised my Method. By incorporating heavy resistance with the core-centric exercises of Pilates, the Hilliard Studio Method was born,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Adelina_Jordan_lina_fit1
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want a six-pack but feel like you are too old? According to one expert, you can achieve a perfect midsection at any age. Adelina Jordan is a 52-year-old fitness trainer and coach whose mission is “proving age is just a number,” according to her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals the handful of exercises that are responsible for her six-pack abs and the healthy habits that enable her to achieve them. “Six-pack abs in your fifties? Totally possible with the right plan. Here’s what worked for me,” she writes in the post.


She Trains Abs 2 to 3 Times a Week

“I train Abs like any other muscle,” she writes. She reveals that she reserves two to three days a week to do ab work. “Remember … it takes consistency with workouts and nutrition and lots of time & patience,” she writes.

RELATED: Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Here Are the Exercises She Does

“Here is an example of the workout I do to maintain my 6-pack abs in my 50s,” she continues, revealing the five exercise sets.

  • SL crunches
  • weighted sit-ups
  • Russian twist
  • weighted toe taps
  • double crunch.

She Also Pays Attention to Her Diet

She then goes on to discuss key tips to remember for 6-pack abs, starting with diet. “Dial in your nutrition,” she writes. “Protein-packed meals, a slight calorie deficit, and staying consistent.” According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

RELATED: Woman Lost 11 Pounds in 90 Days With These 5 Simple Rules

And, She Lifts Weights

Next, she recommends weight lifting. “Strength training is a must,” she says. “Focus on compound lifts that engage your core and help burn fat.” According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

She Uses Resistance

Another important tactic? “Train your abs with resistance,” she suggests, “Adding light weights, cables, or bands takes your core training to the next level—think strength and definition.”

She Does Cardio

Don’t forget to do cardio. “Steady-state cardio after lifting works wonders for revealing your hard-earned progress,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 15 Pounds in Her 40s After Fixing These 3 Mistakes

And, She Is Patient

Lastly, six-pack abs don't happen overnight. “Patience is key: Progress takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it! If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make it happen!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Laura Denys laura.fitwoman
Copyright laura.fitwoman/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you trying to lose weight, doing everything you think you should be, but the number on the scale won’t budge? According to an expert, it’s possible that you are doing the wrong things and don’t even know it. Laura Denys is a fitness and nutrition coach with over 1.3 million Instagram followers. In a new social media post, she discusses her weight loss journey and admits that she couldn’t lose weight until she changed her approach to diet and fitness. Here are the 5 things she stopped doing to lose 44 pounds.


Stop Following Diets

The cabbage soup diet, keto, cleanses or other trendy diets may seem like a quick fix for weight loss. However, if you are seriously restricting yourself and going on crash diets to lose weight, you could be getting in your own way, according to Laura. “Stop following diets,” she says. “Go to get out of that ‘all or nothing’ mindset.”

Stop Skipping Meals

It can be tempting to miss a meal to cut calories from your day, but Laura doesn’t recommend it because oftentimes, it will lead to you eating more later in the day. “Stop skipping meals, used to think going all day without eating was gonna help me get results but it only caused me to binge eat at midnight,” she says.

Stop Overdoing It with Exercise

Also, don’t go too hard with exercise. “Stop exhausting yourself and learn to rest. I used to do hours on the stair master now I only walk/run for my cardio,” she says.

Stop Restricting Yourself

And, you don’t have to go to extremes with your diet. “Stop restricting yourself and had to learn portion control,” she says. You can even enjoy sweet treats. “I learned to enjoy dessert in moderation,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Stop Setting Weight Loss Goals

And her final tip might come as a surprise. “Stop having goals,” she says. “Think that you could lose 2-5lbs a week consistently and would put so much pressure on myself. But as a female your weight changes daily so some weeks l’d lose 2lbs and than gain a lb the next week.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Julie Clouse
Copyright julieclouse_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you over 40 and struggling to lose weight? Julie Clouse is a social media influencer and fitness and macros expert who tries to “inspire others to be the best version of themselves.” In a new social media post she reveals a few of the habits all the fittest women she knows share. “Not to be dramatic but…There is no secret. The fittest women I know in their 40s have these 6 things in common. They ALL DO THIS!!!” she writes.

Strength Training

The first habit they share? “They prioritize strength training,” she says. “Fittest women in their 40s consistently lift heavy weights, focusing on progressive overload to build muscle and maintain strength.”

Healthy Diet

The next thing they have in common is a healthy diet. “They eat for their goals,” she explains. “They track their macros, prioritize protein (about 1g per pound of body weight), and fuel their bodies with balanced nutrition instead of following fad diets.”

Daily Activity

Another thing they do? “They stay active daily,” she says. “They prioritize NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by walking, staying active, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, aiming for at least 8-10k steps a day.”

Stress Management

They also understand the importance of mental health and self-care. “They manage stress and recovery,” she writes. “They take rest days, prioritize sleep, and understand that recovery is just as important as workouts. Many practice mindfulness or stress management techniques.”

Patience and Discipline

The fifth habit they share? “They embrace patience and discipline,” she says. “They know results take time and stay disciplined even when progress feels slow.”

Consistency

And what is the most significant piece that ties this all together? “They are CONSISTENT,” she says. “No matter how busy life gets, they show up for themselves day after day. They don’t rely on motivation; they rely on habits they’ve built over time.”

Bonus Tips: Just Start

She also offers some bonus tips. “Just start,” she suggests. “Instead of getting overwhelmed about 6 things you feel like you need to change. Pick 1 start there.”

Don’t Focus on Perfection

“You do NOT have to be perfect. If you’ve been here long enough, I share how to incorporate a sustainable life style with your busy lives and families,” she adds.

Stay the Trail

Next, just keep going. “Yes, it will be hard at first. Yes, there will be days you’re wondering if you’re making progress. Stay the trail. This is for the long term. This is for longevity with your kids and spouses. This is for YOU!” she says.

Take One Hour for Yourself

She also stresses the importance of taking care of yourself and not feeling guilty for it. “Self care is not selfish. You deserve 1 hour to yourself,” she says.

Focus on Losing One Pound a Week

Finally, aim for one pound a week and celebrate it. “Losing 1lb a week is a BIG DEAL!! Imagine if you gained a lb a week. Give yourself grace. The slow way is the fast way for the long term,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Brittney Blanco
Copyright profitablenest/Instagram

Do you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to lose weight? According to an expert, you can still indulge in dessert while burning fat. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. In a new Instagram post, she reveals some delicious go-to desserts to help you lose weight. “6 High-Protein Desserts That Taste Like Cheat Meals 😍 (But Aren’t!)” she titled it. She adds in the video that they have “hardly any calories.”

They Are Low-Calorie, High Protein, with “Amazing” Macros

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

According to Blanco, just because a food is sweet doesn’t mean it is bad for you. “Craving something sweet but want to stay on track? 🍪💪 Here are 6 guilt-free, high-protein desserts with almost zero calories (okay, super low-cal 😉) and amazing macros,” she writes. “🎯 High protein, low calorie, and completely satisfying! Which one are you making first?”

Protein Mug Cake

Chocolate cupcake in a white mug. Easy homemade dessert. Mugcake

Shutterstock

Her first dessert? Protein Mug Cake. It has 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 5g of fat per serving. “Mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and almond milk. Microwave for 1 min—instant dessert magic!” she says.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Healthy breakfast of strawberry parfaits made with fresh fruit, and yogurt over a rustic white table. Selective focus on glass jar in front. Blurred background and foreground.

Shutterstock

Her second go-to dessert is a Greek Yogurt Parfait with 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Layer nonfat Greek yogurt, stevia, and sugar-free syrup with berries. So simple, so good,” she says.

Protein Ice Cream

Ice cream in a paper cup. Sweets and weekend walks.Shutterstock

If you love ice cream, try Blanco’s Protein Ice Cream, which is simple to make and has just 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and zero fat. “Blend protein powder, almond milk, ice, and xanthan gum. Freeze for 1 hour = creamy heaven,” she writes.

Chocolate Protein Pudding

top view of chocolate protein pudding. Eating a healthy sweet dessert

Shutterstock

Chocolate Protein Pudding is her fourth dessert with 90 calories, 18 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and one gram of fat. “Mix casein protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, and almond milk. Chill, top with sugar-free whipped cream,” she says.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter fans will love Brittney’s Peanut Butter Protein Balls. One serving has 140 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and six fat grams. “Mix protein powder, powdered peanut butter, almond milk, and stevia into balls. Perfect grab-and-go snack!” she says.

Protein Brownie Batter

Are you constantly licking out the brownie batter bowl? Try Brittney’s Protein Brownie Batter with 80 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat. “Mix whey protein, cocoa powder, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of water for a fudgy treat,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.