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Carol Northcutt would say she’s in the best shape of her life at age 74, thanks to her workout routine. But don’t get it confused: She’s not retired, nor does she have a bunch of time to spare. “I work about 40 hours per week, spread out from Monday to Saturday, as an attorney and owner of a law practice and as a real estate broker, as well as having my own rental real estate to manage,” she says. “My husband has Alzheimer’s disease. I can’t care for him myself, but I do actively supervise his care.” Northcutt has a pretty big family too, with grandchildren and four children who are all married. She’s thankful for the support they provide, both with her business and her fitness. Regarding the latter, one of her daughters and one of her granddaughters participate in Pilates and line dancing with her. Her daughter has even traveled across the country with her to attend line dance workshops (and a line dance cruise in the future—yes, that’s a thing!). Northcutt’s Pilates journey started in 2021. She visited Club Pilates for a low-impact workout that would get her moving post-pandemic. She immediately fell in love with the practice, gave her granddaughter a membership for graduation and encouraged her daughter to get back into it. Now, the three of them regularly attend Club Pilates classes together in Texas. Her typical workout is one that many people could do, either at a Pilates class or at home. Ahead, Northcutt shares what her routine looks like every week. 🩺SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self💊 Northcutt’s Weekly Workout Routine Monday At 8 a.m., Northcutt goes to a beginner-level Pilates class that focuses on strength and stretching. Classes entail the following: Footwork on the reformer to warm up and strengthen feet and legs Bridging Ab-strengthening exercises, including crunches, obliques and leg lifts 3 reps of planking for 30 to 60 seconds Arm exercises, including rowing and curls Leg work and stretching by putting her feet in the reformer straps (her favorite part!) Cool down stretching Related: The One Easy Stretch Physical Therapists Are Begging People Over 50 to Start Doing ASAP Then, at 4 p.m., she attends a 60-minute line dance class at the “Improver” level. Tuesday On Tuesday, Northcutt attends a 50-minute Pilates class, though this one is for advanced beginners. The class is similar to Monday’s, but it has a faster pace with fewer rest periods. Then, at 5 p.m., she goes to a two-hour line dancing class at the Beginner and Improver level. Wednesday Northcutt is back to the 50-minute beginner Pilates class, like she was on Monday. At 5:45 p.m., she attends a 45-minute partner dance class that focuses on posture and form. Thursday Thursday looks similar to Tuesday: Northcutt starts with a 50-minute advanced beginner Pilates class. Then, on some Thursdays, she participates in a two-hour line dancing class at the Winery. It includes not only line dancing, but also pizza and wine. (Yes, pizza and wine can be part of a healthy, balanced routine). Related: ‘I’m a Health Editor—Here Are my 6 Favorite Beginner Pilates Workouts on YouTube’ Friday and Saturday These two days aren’t as structured, but Northcutt still moves her body in various fun ways with her family. She might walk, swim, review the line dances she learned and/or choreograph new line dances. She also does activities with her children and grandchildren, and she spends time in the hot tub. Sunday Last but not least, Sunday is Northcutt’s day of rest. She goes to church, visits family and takes an afternoon nap. Why This Works for Her Northcutt’s weekly exercise routine portrays how exercise can be fun, accessible and value-driven, including family time. Remember: It’s good to get creative with your workouts, and moving your body (in any fashion) is key. You don’t have to be “good” at something, either: Northcutt would be the first to tell you that. While she finds that she can be a perfectionist at work, her fitness routine is where she can “let go” a bit. “I’m not the strongest, most coordinated or best at any of these activities,” she says, referencing Pilates and line dancing. “I make missteps and can be a little awkward sometimes…I do my best, give myself grace and have so much fun.” Up Next: Source:
