Courage vs. Comfort: What It Really Means to Get Strong in Midlife
“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you can’t have both.”
— Brene Brown
We often think of courage as something dramatic — rescuing someone from a fire, speaking on stage, quitting a job. But sometimes, courage is quieter. It’s picking up a dumbbell for the first time in your 40s or 50s. It’s showing up for a workout when you’re tired and unsure. It’s deciding that you are worth the effort, even if your confidence has taken a beating lately.
As women, we’ve been sold a very narrow definition of what fitness should look like — especially as we age. It’s usually something soft and “gentle,” or it’s focused solely on shrinking our bodies. But strength? Real, physical strength? That requires courage. And it offers so much more than aesthetics.
Let’s talk about what choosing courage really looks like — and why it might just be the most empowering decision you make this year.
Comfort Looks Like This...
There’s nothing wrong with comfort — we all need it. But staying in a comfort zone too long? That’s where progress stalls.
You do the same class each week, never really progressing.
You avoid lifting heavier weights because you’re scared of injury (or you’ve been told you “shouldn’t”).
You focus on cardio or calorie burn, but you’re always exhausted.
You keep waiting to feel ready — when you lose weight, when life calms down, when you’re more confident…
Comfort feels safe, but over time, it chips away at your belief in what you're capable of.
Courage Looks Like This...
Courage isn’t loud. It’s not about lifting the heaviest weight in the room or pushing through pain. It’s about showing up, consistently, and being willing to do the hard thing — even when it’s uncomfortable.
Starting with just 2 strength sessions per week at home
Learning proper technique, even if it means going back to basics
Choosing to fuel your body instead of deprive it
Focusing on strength, stability, and energy — not the number on the scale
Reframing “fitness” as a tool for independence, confidence, and vitality
Midlife isn’t a time to slow down. It’s a time to train smarter. And it’s never too late to start.
💡 Want a more guided, follow-along approach?
My StrongerYou Program offers structured, progressive workouts you can do from home — with expert support to help you build real strength. Learn more about StrongerYou here - (StrongerYou)
The Truth? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
Starting strength training in midlife can feel overwhelming — especially with all the conflicting advice out there. That’s why I created the 7-Day Strength Starter Program — a free, beginner-friendly plan designed for women who want to feel stronger, more capable, and more confident… without needing a gym or fancy equipment.
It’s a simple way to take action — and build momentum.
Ready to take the first step? Or ready to go deeper?
👉 If you're just starting out, grab my free 7-Day Strength Starter Program — designed to help you begin strength training at home with confidence. Click here to download the guide - (Guide)
👉 If you're ready for something more structured, with progressive programming you can follow along with from home, check out my StrongerYou Program. Learn more about StrongerYou here - (StrongerYou)
Whichever option you choose, just know this: strength is built one step at a time — and this is yours.
Disclaimer: This blog provides health, fitness, and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health-related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
