The Movement Edit | Week 3 Exercise: The Power of Consistency Over Intensity
Why your workout doesn’t need to crush you to count.
If you had asked me why I worked out in my 20s, I probably would’ve said something about canceling out last night’s pizza and wine…
We’ve come a long way since then.
In my 30s, it became more of an identity - I was fit. And being fit felt good. I did the same workout nearly every day for a decade.
Now, in my 40s, the focus has shifted again: it’s about longevity, energy, new challenges, and finding my strength. I’m picking up heavy weights after a 20-year hiatus. I’m playing competitive tennis. And, I’m keeping barre/pilates in the rotation because that’s what feels the best for my body—especially with the added stress of heavier lifting and running (from tennis).
There have been many seasons, and lots of evolution, but the one constant? Consistency.
Love it, or you won’t keep doing it
The best workout in the world is useless if you hate it.
Sure, challenge is good. Pushing yourself sometimes is healthy. But your baseline routine—the one you actually come back to week after week—should feel fun, empowering, and even a little joyful.
That might be a slow strength flow, a 20-minute Pilates series, or a quick band burn you squeeze in between drop-offs and emails. Whatever it is, the goal isn’t punishment. It’s connection.
A Quick Science Drop: Why This Matters More in Your 40s
Here’s what’s happening as we age (especially for women):
We naturally lose 3–8% of muscle mass per decade after age 30. This accelerates after 40 and especially after menopause (hello, sarcopenia).
Muscle = metabolism, stability, energy, and injury prevention.
Without strength training, we’re not just getting “softer”—we’re losing critical tissue that supports our health and longevity.
The antidote? Consistent resistance training. It doesn’t always have to be intense—but it does need to happen regularly.
The 3 Keys to Staying Consistent
1. Find something you enjoy
If you hate running, don’t run.
If strength training bores you, try circuit-style movement or Pilates-based resistance work.
If you need more motivation, find a workout buddy, or hire a trainer.
If you need flexibility, try an on-demand platform like Movement Co. (yes, shameless plug—it’s designed for this exact purpose).
2. Adjust as your life shifts
What worked for you 5 years ago might not work now. That’s normal.
Reevaluate your goals. Ask yourself what you need—strength? Mobility? Energy? Grounding?
3. Make it accessible
You don’t need a fancy gym. You just need a mat, some light equipment, and the will to show up.
Some of my favorite at-home tools:
Yoga mat (this is the one I use. It’s thin and easy to balance on)
Light weights (2lb, 4lb, and 6lbs— all in one cute weight)
Heavy weights (my husband and I both use these - they go up to 50lbs each)
Resistance bands (perfect for travel or quick hits)
Ankle weights (these are the most comfortable and chic ankle weights out there!)
Kettlebell (for functional strength work)
Foam roller (because recovery is part of fitness, too)
My Approach Now
I no longer force workouts that don’t feel aligned.
I move 6-7 days a week, but the intensity varies.
Some days I go hard. (I’ve found a couple of teachers that I love and I make a point of changing up my usual routine at least 2-3 times a month to challenge myself). Some days it’s 15 minutes of barre or mat Pilates on the platform. Some days it’s just a walk and a few deep breaths.
What matters most is that I come back. Over and over again.
Because the true power of movement isn’t in how hard you go—it’s in how often you return.
How are you doing?
I’ve talked to so many women in the past six months who say they feel like they’re in a workout rut and don’t know how to get out of it. Is it getting consistent? Or changing it up? Or maybe you’re doing all the things, and it’s time to explore peptide therapy (which I am SO excited to talk about in a subsequent post). Hit reply or comment—I’d love to hear what movement looks like in your life right now.
With strength & softness,
Tenaya