You’re in a boom and bust cycle

We’ve all done it. Launched ourselves head first into a new regime – perhaps as the result of a new year resolution, recent breakup or aggressively unflattering photo. “You go all in and train five days a week,” says Elizabeth Davies, personal trainer and author of Training for Your Old Lady Body . “Then life happens. You miss a few sessions, then stop completely. You feel deflated that you couldn’t stick to it. Then some time later, motivation strikes again and the cycle repeats itself.”

A better approach is to devise a realistic training schedule that actually aligns with your lifestyle. “When getting started, lower the bar,” she suggests. “Aim for two weekly strength sessions done consistently. If you manage that, and have the time, energy and inclination to do more, you can always add in a third.…