The Fountain of Youth Workout
Have you ever wondered just what is “normal” for a workout at your age? How hard should you push yourself at 40, 50, 60,70 years of age? Is walking everyday enough? Are we perhaps in the process of writing and figuring out a new normal in today’s world? We are living longer lives and have more access to workouts and wellness advise than ever before. In this new age of COVID-19 many adults have realized that being fit not only helps you look and feel better but it might actually save your life.
As a trainer and amateur triathlete in Southern California I have had the privilege of seeing thousands of gym fanatics, newbies and athletes train and here is what I have observed…there is no normal. My 50 year old legs have been out biked by 60 year old women in triathlons (triathlons are the best as rules require that your age be written on your calf for all to see and witness). I have had a 90 year old woman in a TRX class keeping up with a routine that 30 year olds might struggle with. On the other end of the spectrum I have seen countless people struggle to get out of a chair 20 times in a row before they even hit 60.
The wide range of abilities and skills at any age is of course dependent on a myriad of factors including prior experience, determination, natural like or dislike for physical activity, genetics and the list goes on. My intention in writing this blog is simple; to pass on my golden nuggets, what I have learned. What kind of workout do you need to be doing weekly to make sure you thrive and feel sexy at 70, play with your grandkids, go for cycling vacations or ski holidays. That is living. That is why you need to train everyday.
The answer brings me back to one of my favorite expressions, “if you don’t use it you loose it.” That means keep doing it all; swim, bike, run, hike, yoga, cardio. Don’t just stick to one thing. Think like a kid. Do a little of everything. Find what is fun for you. Start small and stick to it. On a great week I personally enjoy mixing yoga, TRX, cycling, weights, swimming and cardio HIIT. Using several training modalities will help you avoid overuse injuries and keep things interesting.
One of the best ways you can avoid getting injured is to hire a personal trainer. As a personal trainer I have to encourage you to get at least a few personal training sessions if you have never done so and focus on learning proper form for everything you do. There are some key ways to move through the basic building blocks of exercise. Once you know them you can apply them to anything.
But what if your body starts to break down? Find something you CAN do. I had an 81 year old man killing it in spin class today and almost fell off my bike when he told me his age. I truly thought he was in his 60s. 81!!!! As usual I asked him for his secrets to which he admitted having to give up many sports (sometimes for years) due to injury but he kept on moving. When his shoulder gave out from tennis he added spinning to his workouts. When spinning started to bother his back he started swimming and walking. Today at 81 he is still playing tennis, spinning, swimming and walking. I have to mention he added that it is very important to take time to smell the roses too. :)
Stay tuned for next weeks blog on Aging with YOGA.