I have a confession. The only reason I set foot in a gym last year was to look good for my wedding. I wanted pilates arms, a lean back, and if I could straighten my posture in the process, it was a win.
But while it might have been vanity that got me in the door, within a couple of months of starting my weekly sessions, something unexpected happened: I started to enjoy it.
It’s something Nike trainer, Shona Vertue, sees all the time.
A former gymnast turned personal trainer and yoga instructor, Vertue has built a career on helping people reframe their relationship with exercise. And while she’s the first to acknowledge that wanting to look a certain way is a completely valid entry point, she’s equally quick to point out that it’s rarely the thing that sustains you.
“Having aesthetic goals can feel superficial, but if you use that vanity to your advantage, it can help keep your head in the game,” she tells marie claire. “Think of it as the kindling for firing up your motivation. Your aesthetic goals might have ignited the spark, but have some non-aesthetic goals to keep the fire burning.”
So how can you find these non-aesthetic goals?
“Start by writing three non-aesthetic goals in a journal. These could include wanting to do a pull-up, run a marathon, or join an amateur boxing group,” she says. “When we have these non-aesthetic goals, they actually end up having esthetic benefits anyway.”
That shift in mindset feels especially urgent for women, who’ve long been sold the idea that strength training is something to avoid at the risk of becoming “too bulky”. In reality, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your body, particularly as you approach menopause, supporting everything from bone density to mental resilience and long-term health.
In fact, studies show that it’s important for women to start strength training before they enter menopause. But for women in their 40s/50s who haven’t done much strength training, just how hard is it to build muscle mass later in life and where is the best place to start?
“First and foremost, lean into feeling a bit uncomfortable,” says Shona. “I turn 40 next year, and I grew up, not just in the thigh gap era, but also in the era of needing to be competent and excellent in everything that we do.
“It’s okay to not be perfect and let form go out the window a little bit to try to prioritise doing the work. Remember that it’s not going to be easy, but that’s the point. Start by simply learning the movements: squat, hinge, push and pull. Find a trainer or go to group classes where you learn these key movements.”
For women who feel they’ve missed the moment to begin, particularly in midlife, the reality is far more encouraging.
“What’s amazing about the body is that it adapts to what you consistently do. If you spend your day sitting at a desk, your body follows suit – your hips tighten, your posture shifts, and certain areas start to carry more load,” she says.
“But if you interrupt that pattern, even with just 10 minutes of movement a day, you begin to change how your body responds and rebuilds. It’s kind of magical.”
And while consistency is key, the small details that support it – like what you wear – can make all the difference in whether you stick with it. Like choosing activewear that doesn’t distract you.
“You don’t want to be adjusting yourself during your workout. And if you’re doing strength training, make sure you’re wearing shoes that support your ankles and not a running shoe.”
Our pick? The Nike Free Metcon 7. They’re designed to support everything from agility drills to heavy lifts, without compromising on stability or flexibility. And yes, their cute design might also have some added aesthetic benefit too!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Why You’re Tired, Bloated and Foggy – And What To Do About It
Are You Ready To Finally Understand Your Hormones?
Native ad body.
