I adopted a new fitness strategy in my 40s that's helped me run half-marathons, hold handstands, and do pull-ups as I age

"Reaching a physical milestone as I age spills into every area of my life, particularly when there are curveballs. Whether I'm helping one of my children through an issue, dealing with a health scare, or mourning a loss, I tap into the same mindset I use to do a pull-up, hold a handstand, or run 13.1 miles. It's one of grit and consistency."

"Exercise has always been my anchor, and I've relied on it to navigate mental health struggles throughout the years. As I grew older, exercise and movement evolved into a means of coping with the effects of aging."

"I found that the harder the goal is, the more motivated I am to accomplish it. When I crossed the finish line of my first half-marathon, I cried."

Achieving physical milestones at different ages has transformed the approach to aging. At 61, completing an unassisted pull-up marked a significant personal achievement. Previous goals included finishing a half-marathon in the 40s and holding a handstand in the 50s. Exercise has served as a coping mechanism for mental health and life challenges. Focusing on physical capabilities rather than appearance has fostered a positive mindset. The pursuit of difficult goals has increased motivation and resilience in navigating both personal highs and lows.

Read at www.businessinsider.com