My Exercise Regime And How I Achieved My Fitness Goals

I'm not a body builder, I'm just a woman who found;

Strength through consistency

Confidence through health

And the freedom to love how I look ....and dare to go sleeveless at 75.

I like my body better today than I did 50 years ago. As a teenager and young adult, I struggled with my weight and body image. Growing up above the grocery store and later the restaurant that my parents owned, I was food-obsessed. I still am today, but now I have a positive, balanced control over it. My younger sister was anorexic, and I was a yo-yo dieter, constantly fluctuating between restrictive eating and overindulgence.

I didn’t like my body because I was pear-shaped. My older sister used to jokingly call me “thunder thighs,” which I didn’t find very funny. Back in the ’60s, there were some pretty bizarre exercise trends. Gyms had machines with vibrating belts that supposedly “shook” the fat away, and I even used to hit my waist and thighs against a wall, thinking it would break down fat. Clearly, those weren’t the ideal ways to get fit or transform my body shape.

Finding a Sustainable Approach to Fitness

Over time, I discovered better, healthier ways to tone my body and stay fit. I was never naturally athletic, but I found that walking and running were activities I could do consistently. They helped me lose weight more effectively than starving myself, which had been one of my early, misguided attempts at weight control.

The real transformation began when I discovered Pilates 40 years ago. That was a game-changer for me. I saw positive changes in my body—my posture improved, my core became stronger, and I felt more toned. I continue to do Pilates today because it remains one of the best low-impact exercises for strength, flexibility, and balance.

However, as I reached my 60s, I noticed my skin becoming looser and crepier, especially on my arms. While Pilates was fantastic for my core, it wasn’t enough to maintain firm, toned arms. I added weight-resistant exercises, and although they helped, the real dramatic changes didn’t happen until I started lifting weights consistently three times a week.

How My Exercise Regime Transformed My Body

 The key to my transformation has been consistency and progressive strength training. By committing to weight training three times a week and slowly increasing the amount of weight I used, I started to see incredible definition, especially in my arms and back. My muscles became firmer, my skin looked tighter, and I felt stronger. 

I add a scoop of Creatine to my morning coffee to define my muscles and for muscle strength which we lose as we age.

Here’s my current weekly exercise routine:

     •        Three days of weight training:

          •  Warm-up: 5 minutes of stretching and mobility exercises

          •  Strength training: 30 - 35 minutes of focused weightlifting (using weights between 3 to 20 pounds)

          •  Cardio: 30 minutes of walking on the same day for overall heart health and endurance

    •        Pilates once a week:

          •  Great for core strength, flexibility, and posture

    •        Barre class once a week:

          •  A fun, low-impact workout that enhances balance, endurance, and muscle tone

    •        One active recreational day on the weekend:

          •  Biking, walking, or even shopping—which I consider a valid form of exercise!

    •        One rest day:

          •  I take one day off to relax, indulge in my love for cooking and reading.

Five days a week, I don't drink alcohol. Instead I have a glass of Recess (in a wine glass) a relaxation beverage with only 20 calories.

On the weekend I enjoy some wine and an occasional martini - dry with blue cheese stuffed olives and a twist of lemon.

Why This Exercise Regime Works for Everyone

This is a routine I genuinely enjoy and can sustain long-term. And the best part? It can work for anyone. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or even 70s like me, this type of routine can help you sculpt, tone, and strengthen your body in a way that feels achievable and rewarding.

Here’s why this approach is so effective:

        1.  Strength Training Helps You Maintain Muscle and Prevent Aging-Related Weakness

          •  After 30, we naturally lose muscle mass, which contributes to slower metabolism and weaker bones. Weight training reverses this process and helps build lean, toned muscle.

       2.  Pilates Enhances Core Strength and Posture

          •  A strong core is essential for balance, mobility, and injury prevention. Pilates sculpts the midsection, improves posture, and enhances flexibility, making it a perfect complement to weight training.

       3.  A Mix of Cardio and Strength Training Keeps the Heart Healthy

          •  Walking, biking, and in the summer water sports - provide great cardiovascular benefits, ensuring your heart stays strong while improving endurance and circulation.

       4.  Flexibility and Enjoyment Make It Sustainable

          •  I never force myself into a rigid, joyless workout routine. I allow myself flexibility—whether it’s a fun Barre or Pilates class or counting an afternoon of shopping as movement. Sustainability is key to long-term success.

       5.  A Balanced Lifestyle Prevents Burnout

          •  I give myself one full day off to relax and enjoy my favorite hobbies. Fitness should enhance your life, not dominate it.

The Power of Strength and Confidence at Any Age

At 75, I’m living proof that it’s never too late to transform your body and feel strong, confident, and youthful. But my journey hasn’t been without challenges. Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing many blood transfusions and chemotherapy, I was so weak I could barely walk from my bed to the bathroom. It took a full year before I regained my strength and felt like myself again.

That experience reinforced what I believe today: the human body is an amazing machine. No matter the setbacks, no matter how weak you feel, you can always rebuild. It may take time, but persistence and patience will get you there. 

If you want to tone your body, feel stronger, and gain confidence in your skin, I encourage you to find an exercise routine that you enjoy—one that makes you feel good inside and out. Strength training and daily movement have helped me achieve the body I always wanted, and they can do the same for you.

What matters most is commitment and consistency—because when you find a routine you love, it doesn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it becomes a part of who you are.

And remember, fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling amazing at every stage of life. No matter what life throws at you, never give up on your fitness goals. Your body is capable of incredible things!