I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 "Basics"
You can't let your age be the excuse for not getting in shape! There are lots of social media influencers here to remind you that you can be the best and healthiest version of yourself at any age. Alicia Erikson, aka The Midlife Maven, is a social media influencer and fitness expert who designs programs specifically for people who want to shape up after 50. In a new post, she breaks down the "basics" of what it takes to achieve your goals.
1. Eat Nutritionally Dense and Protein-Packed Food
![Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/05/shutterstock_2156372227.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
According to Alicia the first basic is tackling your diet. She recommends "eating nutritionally dense foods" and "making protein a high priority." And, while you don't need to eliminate them, she suggests sticking to an "appropriate" amount of carbs and fats.
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2. Do Progressive Overload Strength Training
![Blurred and cropped image of a beautiful young athletic girl in leggings and top crouches with dumbbells at home. Sport, healthy lifestyle.](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/shutterstock_1660419814.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
As for exercise, she recommends progressive overload strength training. "I do 5-6 days a week. Commit to what lt you can and stay consistent with it," she recommends.
3. Walk 8,000 to 10,000
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She also suggests daily walking. "I aim for 8-10k steps," she says. "If you have a certain cardio form you love, do it! I love walking!" Another workout she loves? Dancing too. "I keep it LISS because my body loves it and I want the 💪."
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4. Cut or Limit Refined Sugar and Alcohol
![People clinking glasses with wine on the summer terrace of cafe or restaurant](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/shutterstock_1779418367.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
Next, "cut or limit refined sugar and alcohol," she says. "I personally had to cut it because it's very habit forming for me. I do enjoy coconut sugar, monkfruit, honey and stevia. Figure out what works best for you!"
5. Hydrate
![Sports woman drinking bottle of water.](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/shutterstock_446238388.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
Don't forget to hydrate! "I drink half of my body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily. I also throw in an electrolyte pack while I'm working out," Alicia says.
6. Sleep
![Serene woman sleeping at night in the bedroom](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/shutterstock_124050577.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
And finally, "sleep has to be a priority," she says. "7-8 hours a night. This is how your body recovers and resets."
You Can Tweak These
![phone with calorie and macronutrient counting app on phone next to healthy food. Healthy diet and maintaining a caloric deficit](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/shutterstock_2306157697.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
"These are the basics! Everyone will have their own unique tweaks to this," she continues. "Maybe you want to track macros for a certain goal. Or maybe tracking is not your jam so you eyeball and that's ok with you. Maybe you don't want to completely cut out alcohol and enjoy a drink occasionally. Do what is going to work best for you but also be honest with yourself about what you KNOW is not working."
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Remember, It's a Process
![Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/happy-mature-woman-exercise-yoga-outdoor-stretching.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
"Getting in tune with our bodies is a process. Being honest with ourselves is a process. Do you need to give yourself some tough love when it comes to changing certain habits? Or do you need to give yourself a little grace?" she writes.
You Can "Get Better with Age"
![Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workout](https://bodynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/shutterstock_2190182851.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=640)
"At the end of the day, you're the one living in your mind and body forever. Make it the best little temple you can! I share what has worked for me for inspiration and hopefully to simplify. Yes, ladies, we can get better with age!!!" she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.