Why Everything Feels Harder After 40—And What You Can Do About It
Let’s talk about what really happens when women hit their 40s.
For most of us, it doesn’t show up all at once.
It starts with little things:
Clothes fitting differently
A shorter fuse with your family or co-workers
Crushing fatigue that no amount of sleep fixes
Anxiety creeping in where confidence used to live
Weight gain that makes no sense—because nothing’s changed
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Who is this person? — you’re not alone.
You’re not crazy.
You’re not lazy.
And most importantly—you’re not broken.
You’re likely in perimenopause or menopause, and your body is trying to tell you something.
As a fitness and wellness coach for women 40+, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with women just like you. Here are the top three questions I hear again and again—and the answers that can finally give you the clarity and direction you’ve been craving.
1. “Why is it suddenly so hard to lose weight, even though I haven’t changed anything?”
This is the #1 frustration I hear—and it makes so much sense.
Hormonal shifts during this stage of life—especially drops in estrogen and progesterone—change how your body stores fat, builds muscle, and regulates insulin.
The old formula of “eat less, move more” doesn’t work anymore. In fact, it can backfire.
Here’s what does work:
Strength training to preserve and build lean muscle (your metabolism booster!)
Prioritizing protein and blood sugar balance
Managing stress and sleep, which are major fat-loss blockers after 40
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what’s right for this phase of life.
2. “What kind of workouts should I be doing now?”
Great question—and the answer might surprise you.
So many women are stuck in high-cardio routines that once worked—but now leave them exhausted, bloated, or injured. That’s because your hormones and joints are shifting, and your body needs a smarter strategy.
Here’s what I recommend:
Strength training: The foundation. Protects bone density, boosts insulin sensitivity, and shapes your body.
Low-impact cardio: Think walking, incline treadmill, cycling, swimming—great for heart health without draining your nervous system.
Mobility & balance work: Crucial for injury prevention and long-term vitality.
Short bursts of modified HIIT: For stamina, fat burning, and mental clarity.
Recovery: Yes, it's part of the plan. Recovery is where your body actually rebuilds.
The goal isn’t to train harder.
It’s to train smarter—for longevity, energy, and strength.
3. “I feel like a different person—anxious, tired, puffy, unmotivated. Is this normal?”
Yes—it’s common. But it doesn’t mean it has to be your normal.
Hormones influence everything: mood, metabolism, sleep, digestion, brain function, and how you handle stress. So when those levels start to shift, your whole system feels it.
This is why I always take a full-body approach with my clients.
We work on:
Nourishment: fueling your body, not restricting it
Movement: workouts that energize, not deplete
Mindset + stress: regulating your nervous system
Lifestyle support: sometimes with the help of hormone specialists
You don’t need to keep pushing through and pretending you’re okay.
You need a new roadmap—one that honors the woman you are now, not the girl you used to be.
You’re not doing it wrong.
Your body just needs something different now.
The good news?
You’re not alone—and there is a path forward.
If this resonated, you can explore more of my resources for women navigating this transition:
Explore my Coach Gina app (launching soon!)
Follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for tips, workouts, and real talk
Or just reach out—I’d love to hear your story
You were never meant to “just deal with it.”
Let’s build your strongest chapter yet.
