Over the course of 2019, I’ve had a large surge of trainees in their mid-late 40s, 50s, and even 60s. In doing some reflection on how these folks have found a home for fitness here, I want to share with you, person who probably fussed today about “feeling old”, how fitness can help you kick many of the discomforts of aging and ride the wave of youth that you have in your head, but not your body!
A couple years ago, I read in a Dale Carnegie book that most of our (at least in the US) prime years are between 40-60, with many adults having a thriving 5th decade: You may have become exceptionally good at a few multi-decade endeavors/skills, children are grown and you may have friendly relationships with them, maybe even grandkids, new hobbies and time freedom, life wisdom, friends elder to learn from and younger to guide, etc. Well, another piece of that is: if you’ve been taking care of yourself moderately well from 25-50, your body should feel great (..okay maybe just pretty good) too!
Of course, many haven’t taken to health and fitness after HS gym class/sports so entering your 50s is an awakening era to get on the journey to fitness – from achy joints, poor posture, weak muscles, instability, lack of energy, to the extra weight that’s piled on for 20+ years.
Maybe you’re knocking on that 50 door, ( or have long walked through it). Let’s make aging simply something that adds more flavor to your well lived life rather than be the main detriment to your well being. Here’s why you should begin your fitness journey:
1) Improve how well your joints feel ie. knees, back
Exercise and strengthening your muscles helps improve the functionality and comfort of your joints that tend to ache day-to-day. Training also helps improve the discomfort that comes with arthritis. Many discomforts in the low and mid back can be helped with a well put together exercise plan, so you can kick the pain pills!
2) Independence from meds (blood pressure, diabetes, etc)
Speaking of pills, high blood pressure, diabetes, and similar ailments are not small deals. Once getting on those meds, you may “Never” get off of them unless you have a major lifestyle change. That lifestyle change of course being: exercise and optimal eating! If you are 48 and reading this, could you imagine taking medicine every day for another 30 years?! 30 years ago you were 18 years old! A healthy lifestyle can help you beat and/or keep away the dependency of medicine.
3) Improved strength to offset the muscle weakness that comes with aging
As our bodies age, the muscles become weaker. Use them or lose them. May not seem like a big deal until it becomes difficult to carry your grandkids, luggage, and have a hard time picking yourself up.
4) Improve balance and coordination
Raise your hand if stumbling and struggling to balance is a favorite past time of yours! Teenagers and professional athletes even train to have better balance and coordination as it’s something you can improve.
5) Improve energy levels and zest
Life is better spent energetic! If you have hobbies, kids/grandkids, demanding careers, people calling you all the time – you need energy! Consistent exercise is a great stimulant and helps give some of that youthful zest that we so often comment on with adults who have that “bounce” to them, of which we mainly attribute with teens and those in their early 20s.
Hopefully you’ve seen the importance of taking care of that body of yours. Eat plenty of colorful plants, sleep, and move often and you’ll see how your life changes.
Whether it’s a 10-30min daily walk with simple exercises or spending $2-10/day for a gym membership and an educated trainer, the investment to have a better quality of life is always worth it! Choose movement over medicine – and all those terrible bills that come with it!
It can all start with walking 10-30min and doing 20-50 squats (or sit to stand) a day! If you want more help getting a good plan together, contact me and let’s get some zest back!!