Radical Honesty

What does radical honesty mean, in the context of health and fitness?  Maybe it’s the former collegiate track athlete in me, but I have always thrived with supportive feedback.  Hearing phrases like, “your last 200 looked good, but on your next interval get that turnover up and really kick coming out of that turn,” during track practice, or, “she’s weak, she’s dying, you’ve got her but you have to go NOW!!!” screamed out at me from the edge of a trail during cross-country racing season probably have something to do with my need for near constant assessment and correction.  Over the years, my coaches have also been the ones to reassure us when things got tough, or the outcome wasn’t what we had worked for.  Their words of encouragement still ring in my ears on my tough days, and I am able to use what I learned during my years as a competitive athlete to keep me focused and positive during my hardest times.  

I love the feeling of constantly developing as an athlete, and as a human; the concept that we are never truly done with the process of becoming is the closest thing to a religion that I have as an adult.  I am passionate about guiding other women to discover and develop their own feelings of becoming the strongest, most vibrant versions of themselves.

And that is why I continue to evolve in my career as a coach.  Specifically, I am a women’s health and fitness coach.  For me, that means providing the same feelings of support, honesty, and direction that I was provided as a younger athlete.  

In this new age of what can sometimes be overwhelming amounts of health information, a big part of the support that I provide my clients is helping them reflect on beliefs and behaviors that may be more of a hindrance than a help.  Part of the process of becoming our latest version of ourselves is having the courage to step away from habits that, although they may have worked in the past, are no longer meeting our needs- and could actually be holding us back from progressing.  If what you’re doing for your health is no longer helping you to feel like the strongest, most capable version of yourself, it’s time to be honest with yourself about your fitness and nutrition habits.  

I firmly believe that all women should learn to express themselves physically; the mental and physical health benefits of exercise are extensive and well-documented.  And now, in the year 2026, there is overwhelming scientific and medical evidence that supports a specific exercise prescription for women 40 and over.  Strength training two days a week, doing sprint cardio and plyometrics- in combination with the correct nutrition- is what is recommended for all women starting at 40.  This is not speculative, there is no argument among professionals about these facts: women need to be following a specific exercise and nutrition plan, starting at 40 years old (if not sooner).  I am not trying to scare or shame you- I am providing the type of honest feedback that coaches give their athletes- feedback that gets results.  

So, if you were to get radically honest with yourself right now- when was the last time you went to the gym?  When was the last time you had a weightlifting plan to follow in the gym?  When was the last time you did an at-home workout?  How long has it been since you’ve taken a hike on a trail?  How long has it been since you last ran?  Skipped?  Jumped up and landed on a 14 inch high box?  Slammed a ball?  Punched a bag?  Did a pushup?  Did a pullup?  Again, this is not an exercise (pun intended) designed to make you feel bad, or sad, or like you’re not good enough- I am simply pointing out, with love, that if the answer to any of the above questions is, “I don’t know,” it’s time for a change. 

Exercise and proper nutrition are not optional; these are the individual health determinants- the behaviors that you actually do- that will play a huge factor in your quality of life. The solution is not crash diets or crazy exercise routines that we do for a week to get ready for our cousin’s summer wedding- no. Maintaining our independence and quality of life as we age are directly linked to consistency with strength training and cardio exercise.

Women are at a three times greater risk than men for developing osteoporosis.  Without strength training and plyometrics, our bones become brittle and more susceptible to fracture.  Women also lead the way in heart disease, which makes getting our cardiovascular exercise non-negotiable for our heart health.  These behaviors need to be started as soon as possible to maximize your health benefits, so if you are not already participating in regular exercise, I urge you to start today.  If you are exercising regularly, I recommend doing more- more is better!

I have been a coach for over 14 years, and my mission going forward in my career is to help as many women as possible build a positive relationship with exercise and eating- two things that I am deeply passionate about!- because I have seen the power of good coaching change my life for the best.  A good coach reflects on the things you are doing well and encourages you to repeat them.  A good coach monitors your progress and makes corrections when necessary.  A good coach is genuinely interested in you as a whole person, not just an athlete, and will be there for you on your worst days to pick you up, and on your best days to celebrate with you. 

If you are reading this I want you to know that you’re doing great!  Keep up the great work!  And if there is any room for you to add in any of the specific exercises that I mentioned in this article, I strongly urge you to do so as soon as possible.  Exercise is not optional for women over 40- if you know you need to start, but aren’t sure how, reach out and I’ll help you!  That’s what coaches do.