3 Fitness Mistakes Women Over 40 Make When Trying to Lose Belly Fat

How to lose belly fat after menopause? If you’re a woman over 40, you may have noticed it’s harder to lose belly fat than it used to be. This is especially true after menopause, when your body goes through changes that slow down your metabolism and make it easier to gain weight around your midsection.

We often hear questions like:

“Why can’t I lose belly fat after menopause, even when I work out and eat better?”

The answer? Chances are, you’re unknowingly making a few key mistakes. But don’t worry—we also have a simple, smart plan that does work.

Let’s look at the top three fitness mistakes women over 40 often make, and how our three-step solution can help.

Mistake #1: Only Doing Cardio 

Many women think running, biking, or walking for long periods is the best way to lose fat. While cardio is healthy, it’s not enough on its own—especially after 40. As we age, we lose muscle. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, making burning fat harder.

That’s when strength training starts to make a real difference. Own Your Fitness designs custom workouts that help you build muscle. This helps you burn more calories, even when you’re resting.

Mistake #2: Following Trendy Diets

Cutting calories too much or following extreme diets can make things worse. After menopause, your body reacts more strongly to sugar and processed foods. Eating the wrong things can make menopause belly fat even harder to lose.

We help you cut back on sugar and processed foods in a way that’s realistic and long-lasting. You’ll learn to fuel your body with the right foods to help balance your hormones and lose belly fat.

Mistake #3: Using a One-Size-Fits-All Plan

What helps someone else lose weight might not work for you. Your body is unique, especially as you age. Without a personalized plan, you might not get the results you want—or worse, hurt yourself.

Our coaches create a plan just for you. Whether you train with us in person or online, we make sure your workouts and nutrition match your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Our 3-Step Formula That Works

Still wondering how to lose belly fat after menopause? It’s time to put a full stop to your worries!

We use a simple but powerful three-step system to help women over 40 lose belly fat and feel great again:

Personalized Fitness Plan: We mix strength training, cardio, and conditioning just for you, based on your fitness level, lifestyle, goals, and any physical limitations.

Cutting Back on Sugar and Junk Foods: We help you make better food choices without crash dieting, emotional eating, or feeling deprived, while still enjoying what you eat.

Eating for Energy and Health: We teach you how to build a healthy, balanced diet that works for your body, boosts metabolism, supports hormones, and keeps you feeling full.

Women who follow this plan see amazing changes—losing weight, gaining strength, and feeling more confident, energized, healthier, and in control of their bodies and habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Why is belly fat harder to lose after menopause?
Hormones shift, especially estrogen, causing more fat to collect around your belly.

2) Can I still tone my body in my 40s or 50s?
Yes! With strength training and the right nutrition, you can look and feel better than ever.

3) How soon will I see results?
Many women start seeing noticeable changes in just 4 to 6 weeks with consistent effort and the right plan.

4) Do I need a gym?
No! Our virtual training works with whatever space or equipment you have at home.

5) Do I need to be fit already?
Not at all. We help women of all fitness levels—even complete beginners.

Let’s Take the First Step Together

Losing menopause belly fat isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. With the right plan, you can feel strong, healthy, and confident again.

Own Your Fitness is here to guide you every step of the way with personal coaching and real support. Whether you train in person or online, you’ll get a plan that works for you.