Podcast Summary: The Hilary Silver Podcast Episode: Stay Fit Over 40: Rules vs Results After 40 (I Wish I Knew This Sooner)
Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this empowering episode of The Hilary Silver Podcast, host Hilary Silver delves into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining fitness after the age of 40. Aimed at listeners who feel overwhelmed by rigid workout routines and conflicting nutritional advice, Hilary shares her personal journey and the transformative changes that have led her to be in the best shape of her life in her early 50s.

Hilary's Personal Fitness Journey

At 52 years old, Hilary stands as a testament to the belief that aging doesn't have to diminish one's fitness or confidence. Contrary to traditional high-intensity workouts and strict dietary regimes, Hilary has achieved remarkable fitness without counting calories, tracking macros, or engaging in strenuous exercise routines. As she states early in the episode, "[I'm] in the best shape of my life. I'm leaner and stronger and more confident than ever" (00:00).

The Five Changes to Stay Fit Over 40

Hilary outlines five pivotal changes that have revolutionized her approach to fitness and well-being:

1. Listen to Yourself

Hilary emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in one's fitness journey. She recounts a pivotal moment where she realized she was exercising out of a need to prove herself rather than for genuine well-being. “[I] was doing hardcore HIIT workouts... I realized, holy shit, that is just not a kind and loving way of being” (00:03). By pausing and reflecting, she shifted from a punitive approach to one rooted in self-compassion.

2. Tune Out All the Noise

In the age of fitness fads and conflicting advice, Hilary advocates for a personalized approach. She shares her decision to disregard popular trends like keto, paleo, and intermittent fasting, opting instead to "break all the rules and do things [her] way" (00:12). This shift allowed her to focus on what genuinely works for her body, fostering a more sustainable and enjoyable fitness routine.

3. Establish Lifestyle Habits

Rather than adhering to rigid rules, Hilary adopts flexible guidelines that prioritize overall well-being. Key aspects of her lifestyle include:

• Daily Movement: "I move my body every single day. It's just a part of my life. It's just what I do" (00:35).
• Intuitive Eating: Hilary listens to her body's hunger cues, allowing herself to eat what she wants without deprivation. She maintains a mostly plant-based diet, avoiding processed and junk foods.
• Natural Fasting Window: By not eating after dinner, she naturally incorporates a fasting period without strict fasting protocols.
• Minimal Indulgence: She keeps alcohol and sweet treats to a minimum, enjoying them without guilt when they do occur.

4. Make Yourself a Priority

Hilary underscores the necessity of prioritizing oneself to achieve holistic well-being. She asserts, "You are never too busy for yourself" (00:25), highlighting that self-prioritization not only transforms fitness but also enhances overall life satisfaction. Her programs have helped many high-achieving women reclaim their health by simply making themselves a priority.

5. Make Working Out Enjoyable

To sustain a long-term fitness routine, Hilary stresses the importance of enjoyment and variety in workouts. She shares strategies such as:

• Incorporating Variety: Mixing different types of exercises to keep the routine fresh and engaging.
• Investing in Workout Gear: Dressing in workout clothes that make her feel confident and motivated.
• Focusing on Self-Connection: Preferring music over podcasts or audiobooks during workouts to maintain a strong mind-body connection.

As Hilary puts it, "This is a time to be focusing on you. Let this be your time to connect to yourself" (00:45).

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Self-Compassion Over Discipline: Shifting from a punitive to a compassionate approach fosters sustainable fitness habits.
• Personalization is Key: Ignoring one-size-fits-all fitness and diet trends allows for a more tailored and effective routine.
• Flexibility Enhances Adherence: Establishing flexible guidelines rather than rigid rules makes maintaining fitness easier and more enjoyable.
• Prioritizing Self-Care Transforms Lives: Making oneself a priority can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health.
• Enjoyable Workouts Promote Consistency: Finding joy and variety in exercise ensures long-term adherence and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Hilary Silver's candid and insightful discussion provides a refreshing perspective on fitness after 40. By sharing her personal experiences and the five transformative changes that have guided her, she offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to enhance their health and well-being without the burden of overly restrictive regimes. As Hilary aptly concludes, "You know what is best for you. You do. And that really is the biggest takeaway from our conversation today" (00:58).

For those interested in exploring these concepts further, Hilary mentions her Self Devotion program, inviting listeners to delve deeper into creating a personalized and fulfilling fitness journey.

Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Hilary's current fitness state
• 00:03: Realization to change her fitness approach
• 00:12: Decision to tune out fitness trends
• 00:25: Importance of making oneself a priority
• 00:35: Establishing daily movement habits
• 00:45: Focusing on self-connection during workouts
• 00:58: Final takeaway on self-knowledge and priorities

Note: The timestamps correspond to approximate locations within the provided transcript for reference.