Lifestyle Over 40 - Melissa Wood Health Review - Later Ever AfterLater Ever After – A Chicago Based Life, Style and Fashion Blog

I think the one thing everyone can agree about these days is there isn’t enough time. I don’t care what stage of life you are in, it feels like you can’t get it all done. Right now I’m in my “full time working mom of two little kids who wants to be fun and healthy over 40” stage. It’s exhausting and stressful at times! Some days I’m rocking everything and others I’m a complete mess. I’m trying my hardest to maintain a healthy lifestyle and one way I can do that is by moving my body every single day. I’ve been doing this with the help of Melissa Wood Health workouts for over a year now.

Being in shape has taken on a new meaning for me. Pre-kids I wanted to be in shape to look good and have my clothes fit nicely. Post-kids I want to be in shape and healthy so I’m around for a long time with them. It’s not lost on me that I’m an older mom. Having Lizzie at 38 and Maggie at 42 really puts health into perspective for me. Part of being healthy means moving my body everyday if possible. Incorporating Melissa Wood Health workouts into my life has been great on so many levels.

Melissa Wood Health

Melissa Wood Health (MWH) is a health, wellness & lifestyle platform on a mission to create a more mindful way of life, accessible and attainable for all. For a monthly fee ($9.99 right now through the end of January) you get access to workouts, meditations, nutritional information and so much more. I personally use it to have access to the workouts and it’s amazing.

Workout Options

There are so many options on the app. Here is what you can find:

Time – Workouts range from 8 minutes to 45 minutes, with the bulk being around 22 minutes
Intensity – All levels of intensity are include; beginner, intermediate and advanced
Type – All types; barre focused, Pilates, cardio, meditation, dance and stretching
Instructors – There are 9 instructors you can choose from so you can find one that fits your style. I truly love taking Melissa’s classes though.
Frequency – It’s up to you, however they offer a weekly schedule that you can follow

Equipment

First and foremost you can do every workout without equipment. You get great results by using your own body weight. Some workouts have options to add on wrist/ankle weights, a rubber band or ball. I personally only have wrist/ankle weights at home. My weights are Bala Weights a few years ago and they are amazing and don’t take up too much room to store. I also have a yoga mat that I do the workouts on.

Realistic Usage of MWH

For me I try to focus on working out with the program Monday – Thursday, but it doesn’t always happen. In addition to walking a couple miles a day I want to move my body too. Getting in a 30 minute flow is ideal as it covers the whole body. But if I don’t have time I may just do an 8 minute arm class or a 12 minute abs class. I know those aren’t hard core workouts, but it makes me feel good that I made the effort to move my body.

I enjoy that there are classes focused on a certain body part, like arms, abs or side body. In the summer I like to target my arms as I’m showing them off more. And if I’m feel flabby in the center I do a targeted abs class. You can also customize your workout. If you like a few of the focused classes you can do them one after the other to create your own workout.

I also love the flexibility this program offers. I can literally do the workouts anywhere. When I travel for work I have more time on my hands at night. So getting in an extra arm workout or a standing barre class at the hotel before bed is a piece of cake. However I won’t do any classes that involve me laying on the floor because that’s kind of gross in a hotel room!

If you follow me on IG you know that I try to get in a workout everyday. It’s a huge challenge for me and I wish I was more disciplined, but I do what I can. While I’m not perfect, MWH has given me easy access to move my body daily. I highly recommend the app for anyone of any age.