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When I was 6 months post-partum, I completed my very first marathon. It was an ambitious endeavor, considering I’d had a c-section and was on bedrest the last half of my pregnancy. That didn’t deter me! I boldly completed that marathon! During the first few weeks of the marathon training, I made a shocking discovery. I had bladder leakage—a term I never used before that time. At the time, I didn’t know of any products that could discretely address my issue and honestly, I was too ashamed to try!
Nevertheless, there I was, stretching after a ten mile run and realized that my pants had the telltale signs of said leakage. I didn’t know what to do, yet I was sure EVERYONE knew. At the time, I was embarrassed. I didn’t know until I was much older and I began talking to my friends about my “issue” and realized I’m not alone! In fact, over 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage, and half are under the age of 50! 65 million! I remember my friend telling me, “Girl, please! I had four children. You think I didn’t know about this?” Touche!
A few things I learned after childbirth: I have to cross my legs to sneeze, jumping jacks, jump roping, or any other high impact exercise can cause some embarrassing issues. Modifying my active lifestyle is completely out of the question. I’m still a runner, I still love me some boot camp, and I’m not changing any time soon. I completed another half marathon in January and have another planned in April.
I recently tried the Depend® Silhouette® Active Fit and I have to say, they were much better than I could have expected. They aren’t terribly bulky. I can wear any of my workout outfits, with confidence! Running tights? Yoga pants? No problem! I am confident that unless I tell someone, I’ll be the only one that will know I’m wearing them!
I ordered the Silhouette Active Fit online from Wal-Mart, which made it easy, convenient, and very discrete. I ordered them and had the option to pick them up at the store, or have it delivered to my doorstep. Easy peasy! The process was so simple and discrete!
There’s really no reason to suffer from bladder leakage during workouts. It’s nice to have peace of mind that I can run as far as I want, do as many jumping jacks, or jump rope, without having to worry unnecessarily about anything.
Tips for Active Moms in Their 40’s
Here’s some great tips for active moms in their 40’s, to keep us looking and feeling young! Actually, these tips are ones I’d have given to my 20 year old self, if I thought I’d listen! I hope they serve as a reminder to take care of our bodies in our 40’s and well beyond!
Don’t Let Your Fears Stand in Your Way! Preparation is the Key to Success!
Preparation is truly the key to success. In my active lifestyle, it’s no different. If I would have let that situation embarrassing situation bother me, I’d never had finished my marathon. Fortunately, I don’t have to find myself in a situation where I’m unprepared again! With Depend® Silhouette® Active Fit, I can participate in even the bounciest of sports and not have to worry about bladder leakage again. So, the next time I go on a 10 mile run, or performing feats of strength at bootcamp, you can bet I’ll be prepared for anything! Jumping Jacks? Burpees? I can give 100% and not have to worry about anything!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
It’s really important to make sure you’re getting enough water. It makes such a difference with everything! I feel so much better when I’m getting at least 80 ounces of water a day. Plus, my face looks less puffy, I look more rested, and the dark circles aren’t as prominent.
My strategy for making sure I get enough water? I have a water bottle that I fill up three times a day. In the morning, first thing, I down 32 ounces. Then, mid-morning, I drink another 32 ounces. I try to get my last 32 ounces in at lunch, before it gets too late. No one wants to be up all night, running to the potty! So, drink that water early!
Take a Multi-Vitamin Every Day!
No one has perfect eating habits—least of all, ME! I try to do my best, but I have to admit I don’t always get all the right nutrients my body needs. My doctor recommended that I take a women’s daily multi-vitamin and potassium, based on what my lab work I recently had. I make sure that even when I’m not eating perfectly, I take the vitamins my doctor recommends.
Use Sunscreen Daily!
Over the past year or two, the evidence of basking in the sun and bronzing my young, beautiful skin has revealed itself in the way of sunspots. When I asked my dermatologist about this “melasma,” or discoloration, he advised I begin the ritual of applying sunscreen every day. He said that with time and protecting my skin from here on out, I could greatly improve my skin. Within a year, I have seen noticed a significant improvement. I found a sunscreen that works really well for protecting my skin and that I can use daily and I haven’t looked back!
Exercise Every Day and Don’t Forget About Your Core!
This is one of the things I’ve learned as I’ve plunged into my 40’s. I HAVE to exercise, every single day! It’s not just to keep my weight in check either! When I exercise, I improve my muscle tone, I feel better, and it helps to keep the aches, pains, and stiffness at bay. Some great ideas for working out are: gardening, dancing, walking, hiking, swimming, running, tennis, just to name a few. Find something you love and commit to it every day!
Some of the best exercises for moms can be done right from your very own living room! Planks are great exercises to strengthen your core and your entire upper body. With light dumbbell weights, you can create your own routine to tone your arms and chest. Sit-ups can be done, while watching your favorite show. Push-ups are an excellent way to gain upper body strength.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to work on my core. When I was younger, I injured my back at work. As I’ve gotten older, it helps to stretch and strengthen my back, but even more so, if I pay attention to my core. The core exercises help with good posture, they improve balance, stability, and defines those abdominal muscles. Embrace those sit-ups!
Take Time to Take Care of Yourself!
As moms, we can become so accustomed to taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. We need to eat right. We need to decompress and destress. It’s like the flight attendants remind us—we have to put on our own oxygen mask before we can help another person with theirs. Take time to have your annual check-ups. Take time to spend time with a good friend. We need it!
Rest. Get 8 Hours of Sleep!
Don’t I know how difficult it is to get 8 hours of sleep? Being a busy mom, there’s times where I’m the last one in bed. Preparing everyone for the next day, cleaning up dishes, making sure laundry is done for the following day, or whatever! It seems that sleep is an elusive luxury, afforded to pampered moms that have maids and nannies! Getting a good night’s rest is imperative to your overall health! Scientists have found that getting good rest can contribute to stabilization of hormone levels, improve memory and cognition, decreases your chances of acquiring diabetes and heart disease, and can even contribute to a healthy weight! Besides, you’ll look healthier well-rested!
