You never realize how long a minute is until you start exercising!
And my fit septuagenarian friend Denice oughta know. At 75, she is an example of how you are never too old to start weight training.
This is a timely topic as strength training for seniors was recently featured in the Vancouver Sun as well as the latest Zoomer magazine.
Here is Denice’s story in her own words.
“When we were young, nobody exercised or had a “fitness routine”.
In those days, nothing creaked, groans were usually associated with bad jokes, and everyday activities were our workout.
In sports, the golf swing was smooth, the baseball pitch swift and sure, skates streaked across the hockey rink.
Endurance was not an issue. Strength was not an issue. And we took it all for granted.
Not so today.
Machines replaced much of the “heavy lifting” required during our parents and grandparents’ days and advances in the medical field have enabled us to live longer and differently.
Unfortunately, some of the differences have been to our detriment.
The majority of our work life may have been sitting: at a desk, in the car or on a bus, and more recently, at home on the couch watching social media in all its forms. The result has been an increase in obesity, loss of strength and perhaps an “I’m too old” attitude about fitness.
Staying healthy is a full-time, top priority job. Eating right, exercising, sufficient sleep, social interaction, etc., is especially important for us boomers.
Exercise is a must; the key is consistency and discipline. Sorry, there is no other way. To get the most benefit from any exercise, you need to be strong, to maintain muscle mass and bone
density.
You do that by lifting heavy things, putting them down, and then doing it over and over again. And there are places called gyms where you can do exactly that and nobody will think you’re
weird!
So, join a gym and get a trainer. You will learn the right exercises for what you want to achieve, how to prevent injuries and get the maximum benefit.
Don’t worry, people aren’t looking at or judging you or competing with you. They are focused on their own fitness and working towards their personal best goals.
When you exercise, you are thinking, breathing deeply, focusing and sweating.
Sweat is fat crying so you want to make it rain!
Even though I exercise, I was not very strong. Numerous times my son suggested lifting weights. I finally listened and joined a small local gym (I found larger ones too busy and noisy).
I started going twice a week and then three times a week. At first it was tough.
At 73 years of age with a small frame, I was not sure if this was for me. But, being stubborn and with encouragement from my trainer and family, I persevered and 2 plus years later, there is incredible improvement.
I can now lift heavier weights, leg press, bench press and am generally getting stronger.
My next goal is improving my balance and agility.
Conversations with my son now focus on our latest personal bests at the gym rather than his day
at the office.
During the 1960s and 70s, boomers challenged the culture and norms of the day.
We still have that power to challenge and change the negative perceptions of seniors. Let’s show the world we’re not going to take this getting old business lying down!
The Body Achieves What the Mind Believes!”
I couldn’t have said it better. Thank you Denice for sharing your story.
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