February highs, laughs, and lessons: midlife, muscles, and little wins

Approaching 50 has a way of making things clear: fitness isn’t about looking like a magazine cover or pretending life is organised. It’s about showing up, balancing family and workouts, and occasionally accepting that some things, like star jumps, aren’t happening today. February was full of consistency, small wins, and reminders that midlife isn’t easy.

Therapy on two wheels

Spin has been my happy place since January. There’s something about cranking up the resistance, pedalling until my legs give in, and singing Ivana Spagna’s Call Me off-key at the back of the room that makes me feel alive. Even on tired days, I leave feeling stronger, lighter, and ready for whatever the week throws at me.

Resistance training 

Three times a week, I wrestle with weights like an adult who occasionally pretends she knows what she’s doing. Assisted pull-ups, shoulder presses, rows, leg extensions and my body listens, sometimes grudgingly. Achilles tendinitis keeps me humble, so I stretch, do calf raises, and remind myself that strength is as much about care as effort.

Wobble, breathe, repeat

Lunchtime yoga with Catherine reminded me that balance matters. I wobble, sway, occasionally collapse mid-pose, and quietly celebrate when I manage to stay upright. Perimenopause doesn’t pause for perfect alignment, and neither do I. Showing up, breathing, and accepting imperfection is the real victory.

Meal prep and little wins

Saturdays are my pretend-organised hours. Healthy meals ready for the week, fewer arguments over leftover bread, and a gentle reminder that I can’t control everything. Star jumps may be off the table, but a sorted fridge is still a win.

Family fun – Pop Colour Digital Camera

Cyrus and his friend went wild with the Pop Colour Digital Camera. Watching them label H and me “wanted” while striking ridiculous poses was priceless. These little moments remind me that staying young at heart is essential – and sometimes laughter is the best workout.

Adventures beyond the gym – EXIT Escape Room & MyDehli Street Food

A horror escape room at EXIT, The Attic in Newcastle tested teamwork, communication, and my ability not to panic while handcuffed to a bench. Afterwards, curry at MyDehli Street Food rewarded bravery, sweat, and the decision to not count calories for one evening.

Hydration with flair – b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle

Hydration is suddenly stylish. My b.box 1L insulated flip top keeps water icy for hours, and has a flip-and-sip lid that makes life easier. H even got a matching bottle, proving that sometimes the small things matter just as much as the big.

February brought sweat, smiles, and small but meaningful victories. Here’s to showing up, laughing at yourself, and keeping the body strong, the mind grounded, and the heart open. Comment, tag me, or just sip your water alongside me.