Happy Wednesday Fitfam! As usual, let's talk fitness. The one thing we’re told to keep up with our whole lives – like paying bills or pretending to understand TikTok trends. But here’s the thing: fitness doesn’t look the same at every age, and it definitely doesn’t feel the same. Remember when you could jump off a playground slide without your knees sending a formal complaint to your brain?

The beauty of fitness is that it evolves with us. It’s not about chasing the body you had at 20 (or wishing away the one you have now). It’s about moving in ways that feel good, listening to what your body needs, and maybe even having some fun along the way.

So, let’s take a light-hearted look at fitness through the ages – because no matter where you are on the timeline, there’s joy to be found in movement.

Your twenties: invincible (and possibly a little reckless)

The glory days! Your body is full of energy, your hangovers are short-lived, and you can try just about anything without too much consequence.

A 5K on Saturday morning followed by dancing until 2am.? No problem. Hot yoga even though you’ve never stretched a day in your life? Sure, why not?

What to embrace: This is the time to experiment and explore. Try different workouts, sports, and classes.

If you want to run, run. If you want to lift weights, lift heavy. Enjoy the fact that your recovery time is faster than OneComm Wi-Fi.

Words of wisdom: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Listen to your body when it asks for rest (yes, even at 22). Build good habits now that you’ll be grateful for later. And please, don’t skip leg day! Ever!

Your thirties: efficiency and balance

Welcome to the decade of juggling. Careers, kids, mortgages, social lives – it’s a lot. The days of spending two hours at the gym are behind you, but that doesn’t mean fitness is out of reach. You’re just … more efficient about it now.

What to embrace: Workouts that fit your life. Shorter, more intense sessions like HIIT, quick weight circuits, or even a brisk walk while you push a stroller count.

This is also the time to prioritise mobility and flexibility – because nothing says “I’m in my thirties” like pulling a muscle while reaching for your kid’s favourite stuffed animal.

Words of wisdom: Don’t compare yourself to your twentysomething self. Your body has changed, and that’s perfectly OK.

It’s stronger in different ways. It’s wiser. It has lived. And if it occasionally groans when getting off the couch? That’s just the soundtrack of adulthood.

Your forties: smart and strategic

You’re not old, but you’re also not young – and your body likes to remind you of this at the most inconvenient times. But the good news? You know yourself better than ever, and that includes knowing what your body needs.

What to embrace: Functional fitness becomes your best friend. Exercises that keep you strong for everyday life – think squats, lunges, and core stability.

It’s also a great time to reconnect with movement you genuinely enjoy. Whether that’s hiking, dancing, or chasing your teenager up the stairs, find what makes you smile.

Words of wisdom: This is not the time to compare yourself to others — or your past self. Celebrate what your body can do right now, not what it used to do. Also, warm up. Seriously. Warm. Up.

Your fifties and beyond: moving for joy and longevity

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the era where you care less about what people think and more about what feels good. This is the decade to move because you want to, not because you feel like you have to.

What to embrace: Low-impact, high-enjoyment activities are the way to go. Walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates – anything that keeps you active without pounding your joints.

Strength training is still important (muscle mass is key to longevity), but it doesn’t have to be intense. Also, dancing in the kitchen totally counts as cardio.

Words of wisdom: This is about moving for quality of life — being able to play with grandkids, travel, or just get up from a chair without grunting.

Celebrate your body for all it’s carried you through. And most importantly, have fun. You’ve earned it.

Movement is a lifelong gift. No matter your age, movement is about feeling good, staying active, and enjoying the ride.

It’s not about chasing who you were ten or 20 years ago. It’s about embracing who you are today and moving in ways that bring you joy, strength, and freedom.

So whether you’re dancing, lifting, walking, stretching, or just getting up from your chair without a groan (a victory at any age), remember: it all counts.

Oh! If anyone asks why you’re doing squats in your seventies? Just smile and say, “Because I plan on dancing at my great-grandkid’s wedding – and I’ve got to stay ready.”

Happy moving, happy Wednesday!

As usual, remain unapologetic about your entire fitness and wellness journey, stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

• Andrea “Dre” Hinds is a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her onabsbydre@gmail.com or 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre