As a wellness coach at Empower Fitness, I often hear clients express a desire to fit back into their favorite winter jacket. Surprisingly, this goal can be a more authentic measure of health than many medical tests. A few years back, as I navigated the challenging waters of perimenopause, my wardrobe became a clothing graveyard. Nothing fit except for one pair of overalls, which I wore to nearly every event for over nine months. That winter jacket in my closet? It was a painful reminder of how much my body had changed.

Maintaining a healthy weight is not just about longevity, but improving quality of life. This transformation shows how balancing health with enjoying life’s pleasures like wine, chocolate, and social meals makes all the difference. Embrace moderation and thrive!

During this time, I explored various medical opinions to address unexpected weight gain and discomfort, suspecting it might be related to my uterus. Although doctors identified numerous fibroids, the only solutions offered were hormonal treatments. Unwilling to go down that path, I turned to lifestyle changes to manage my hormonal balance. The results were transformative—not only did I reclaim my favorite clothes, my sleep improved, my hair got thicker and that winter jacket now fits comfortably, even over bulky sweaters.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: weight gain is your body’s way of communicating. My intense workouts and protein-heavy, low-calorie diet were depriving my body of essential nutrients and likely affecting my gut microbiome. By listening to my body and adjusting my habits, I’ve significantly improved my quality of life. I feel fantastic, have a versatile wardrobe spanning four decades, and spend less time managing health issues at the doctor’s office.

For aging professionals and anyone committed to their careers, here’s my advice: Embrace your health journey with the same dedication you apply to your professional life. Your body’s changes are a dialogue about your health. Listening with kindness and respect isn’t just about fitting into a smaller size—it’s about ensuring a healthy, vibrant future. Let’s not focus on what we used to be; instead, let’s tune into our bodies’ needs today.

It’s crucial to pay attention to these signals if we want to enjoy our retirement fully. After all, what’s the point of working so hard if we don’t have the health to enjoy our later years? That favorite jacket should still fit when you retire, symbolizing not just a well-maintained wardrobe, but a life well-lived and a body well cared for. It’s not just about looking good in your winter jacket—it’s about feeling your best inside and out, ready to enjoy every moment of your hard-earned retirement.

Why a Wellness Coach Over a Gym Membership?

Opting for a wellness coach rather than just joining a gym can be a game-changer for anyone looking to fit into that winter jacket again. Unlike a typical gym environment, where you might find yourself lost among machines and generic workout routines, a wellness coach offers a personalized approach. A coach takes into account your entire lifestyle, from diet to sleep patterns to stress levels, crafting a holistic plan tailored specifically for you. This personal attention ensures that your fitness and wellness plan aligns with your body’s unique needs and the changes it undergoes, especially as you age.

With a wellness coach, you receive guidance, accountability, and support that go beyond the physical aspects of health, addressing emotional and psychological factors that a gym membership might overlook. This comprehensive care not only helps you achieve your goals more effectively but also educates and empowers you to maintain your health over the long term, making sure that jacket fits perfectly for years to come.