Staying active as you age
If you’re a busy person that wants to be staying active as you age. Regain your lost energy. Build up a bit of fitness and get stronger. Or just wishes to maintain these elements you are just like the rest of us.
As a father of two past my 50′s I understand that staying active as you age, the daily demands of work and family life taking up most if not all your time.
While other fit types still enjoy playing their chosen sport, signing up for various events, fun runs and triathlons. You still can take part.
I’m happy in still being an active older bloke that enjoys lifting weights, playing with Kettlebells, my food and running. Most importantly, to enjoy time with my kids.
Given that most of the fitness market is catered towards an abundance of group fitness options, like boot camps, hips and thigh classes, boxing and circuit programs. Let’s add the suggestive advertising on what you should look like. It’s no wonder some options are not your first choice in maintaining or regaining your fitness and strength.
Some of us stubborn types are still hanging around weight rooms, commercial gyms, and even now joining CF boxes and PT studios. We all like to think we can still handle the intense stuff!
Making those small changes as we age
Obviously, our own thoughts on what intensity and strength will be different to others and as we age sadly changes from what it used to be. It’s funny that will all my experience and supposed maturity I still have that sense to lift heavy and push the pace. Comes with experience.
Even now with running I reckon I can knock off the Olympic world record in the 10klm or am the faster’s alpha male at Spartan race! “Just give me more time please” This is where my old head takes over and says “hold on their champ” you are no longer the young man you once were.
It’s important that for some of us not fighting our age recognize we are no longer bullet proof and while some of us even carry old wounds hopefully have realized we don’t recover like we used to.
So, if it hurts when you do an overhead extension (lifting your arms up above you head) or are unable to fold at the hips (say to pick something up) without buckling in. it’s time to make those adjustments.
Even worse when basic movements diminish, they might even prevent you from earning an income.
Additionally, if you can’t see your toes, my good man I got news for you. You need to move and move well.
Common sense is now required.
Use it or lose it
Once you start to move again and get the patterning correct you can still take action in achieving the following goals. Just like your car, if you don’t look after it. You are not going anywhere!
If you are still interested in, Losing the gut, be stronger and in better shape at 40 than we were at 20, minimising the time needed to get in shape so that you can spend more time having fun with family and doing other stuff you enjoy. Additionally have the physical and mental resilience that will allow you to better deal with whatever life throws at you.
Take action now!
Be the coolest dad in the park by simply participating in play. Not having to sit it out from the outer.
Movement is king while staying active as you age
Whether it be running, swimming, cycling, weightlifting or boxing it’s important to recognize that movement of the body should be a priority with all disciplines.
Basically, the skill in movement should be learned and practiced.
With the basic progression of movements in bodyweight training, in dealing with most active endeavours all movements/positions are challenging at first. However, with most things you just need to practice and eventually you will find your grove. Consistency and patience pay off.
I’m feeling a lot better with my overall patterns and still manage to keep on lifting weights pain free.
The whole change to a greater emphasis of movement in my training and my acquired knowledge in the fundamentals. This compliments all bodyweight training well. As a personal trainer and Strength and Conditioning coach it’s the basic skill that we build on. No matter what the discipline we are using.
I’ve lifting weights for around 35+ years. So, I’m always looking for ways to execute any movements smoothly. These assist with helping others lift better and ultimately feel better.
The goals are simple at our age. Train towards a more complete package of physical strength, fitness with better movement. Or put simply ageing older and stronger!
Start moving.
