Blog · Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings

Promoting adult gymnastics

Gymnastics is not just for kids anymore. This is a story of a recent encounter I had with a fellow writer, athlete and coach who is doing a deep dive into the expanding realm of adult gymnastics. I recently made a new flippy friend! Out of the blue, I got an email that caught my… Continue reading Promoting adult gymnastics

Blog · Mid-Life Musings · Teaching

Transitioning to Summer Relaxation: A Teacher’s Journey

Now that summer break has officially begun, so too has my annual practice of hammocking whilst staring at the green, leafy trees dancing in the gentle breeze. On the first few days of summer break, I make myself sit on my hammock, especially when the sky is completely blue and clear, with just the faintest… Continue reading Transitioning to Summer Relaxation: A Teacher’s Journey

Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings

Validating Fitness Strategies: Gymnastics, Nutrition, and Bone Strength in Perimenopause

Back in 2022, I wrote an article called Keeping the Bones Strong, which was an overview of the science behind bone building and how gymnastics activities really helps achieve strong bones. This article tracks my recent DEXA scan and looks at the strategies I've been using to maintain strong bones. I've spent the better part… Continue reading Validating Fitness Strategies: Gymnastics, Nutrition, and Bone Strength in Perimenopause

Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings

Hot June Challenge, Geriatric Gymnast Style

What do Geriatric Gymnasts do in the heat? We pull it back a bit, but we still know how to have fun. Read on for some tips and examples of how we navigate class in the hot summer heat. The heat is on! Tuesday was one of those long, hot days just before summer begins.… Continue reading Hot June Challenge, Geriatric Gymnast Style

Blog · Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings

Empowering GenX Women: Navigating Perimenopause with Expert Guidance

On one of my recent long walks, I was inspired to commemorate some thoughts on my iPhone. Seems as though walking gets the brain juices flowing and that's when many of my thoughts spill out. Dictating through heavy breaths, I waxed philosophical about being smack-dab in the middle of the menopausal transition. Living in perimenopause… Continue reading Empowering GenX Women: Navigating Perimenopause with Expert Guidance

Blog · Family · Mid-Life Musings

When it’s time for them to come back

Last August, I wrote a couple of posts about the slow slide to the empty (albeit temporary) nest. For the first time, both of our kids would be in college, and my husband and I would rediscover life as a couple. This is an update, nine months later. Oh, how time slowly flies. Read When… Continue reading When it’s time for them to come back

Changed for the Better · Mid-Life Musings · Teaching

You have to go through it. 

This phrase is something I found myself saying since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school  year. It was one of those wise things I’d say to the kids when things looked tough, like during the last two weeks of our fall show PUFFS when the Monday tech rehearsal was over three-and-a-half hours long and it… Continue reading You have to go through it. 

Mid-Life Musings · Self Care

Phytoestrogens and (peri)menopause

As a female Gen Xer firmly in the middle of her (peri)menopausal transition, I realize just how much I don't know about this part of my own life cycle. In my (peri)menopausal quest for knowledge, I've been digging for good research to learn what actually helps and what is bunk. This article delineates some of… Continue reading Phytoestrogens and (peri)menopause

Blog · Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings · My Weight-Loss Journey

Weight-loss 12: Tricky 2023

It seems I’m posting these weight-loss journey reports biannually now. Apparently, I wax weight management when my work life wanes; during winter break and just as summer starts. A year ago, I recalled in part 10 the food challenges during my November reverie (birthdays, anniversary, Thanksgiving) and into the winter holidays (Chanukkah latkes and Christmas… Continue reading Weight-loss 12: Tricky 2023

Blog · Mid-Life Musings

Mid-life Musings: Insomnia and Brain Fog

Insomnia. Wake at 3:30 a.m. Go to the bathroom. Lay back down under the covers. Never get to slide back into the state that unlocks rest and dreams. It’s a form of slow torture.  Historically, I've been a champion sleeper. Younger me would sleep 12 hours without missing a beat. Sit me down on a… Continue reading Mid-life Musings: Insomnia and Brain Fog

Blog · Mid-Life Musings · Self Care

Not for the faint of heart

While I have shared a lot of personal stuff on this blog, this may be the first time that I am being this candid about some of the uglier aspects of the second act experience. If you shy away from female stuff, this may not be for you. If you want to get into the details of perimenopause, read on.

Geriatric Gymnast · Mid-Life Musings

Maintaining a positive self-concept at the gym

How do we build the courage to do hard things? Do we see ourselves as competent and able to tackle the challenges? In this post, I discuss how a strong support system bolsters our training experience.