Fitness and aging

dragonbug300

I see people posting motivational pictures of young, thin women striking poses in flattering lighting constantly. Everyone is saying "That's the body I want!" which is great, but here I want to observe the long-term benefits of healthy habits.

There's this stigma out there that getting older equates getting weak. Because of this, many people give up at the first sign of aging, using it as an excuse to stop exercising. However, humans are capable of amazing adaptations and stamina. There's a guy with 1-foot-long arms who goes to my gym. He does amazing things with what he has, though: even his stunted arm growth hasn't stopped him from weight lifting. And my gosh! Does he ever have muscles.

This is Mrs. Calman of Australia. She's 83 years old. She's been practicing Yoga for 40 years.

http://fittipdaily.com/get-inspired-yoga-grandma-still-fit-at-83-3030/

And when I'm 83, I hope to maintain my strength, stamina, and flexibility just as well as she has.

We often forget that fitness is about more than just looking good in Facebook photos, or even reducing health risks. It's about becoming one's personal best: pushing the limits and going for gold in spite of doubts and fears. You know you've had a good workout when you finish with a sense of pride. "Yeah, I challenged myself today!" That's the kind of attitude we need to have for prolonged self-improvement.

In honor of the Yoga Grandma and the thousands of others who defy odds, I want to challenge everyone to push themselves a bit more today than they would normally. Run 1 more mile; lift 5 pounds heavier; stretch a bit deeper; increase that resistance on the elliptical; do an exercise you've always avoided before for fear of failure. I guarantee, the reward of having tried will surpass the angst of breaking the norms.

atomdraco

Well said and 200% agree!

jamaka1

gr8 post

HoopFire5602

Awesome post!! Thanks for sharing. Just this morning I was thinking 'I am too F*in old to be playing around on a trapeze...' This story and the quote at the bottom made me change my mind:

Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.

ChantalGG

I seen her on the Regis and Kelly show before she is strong! I agree my journey is for healthy and fitness not just looks.

BK120

Oh so true. I'm 55 and for the first time since my early twenties I have muscles. My hubby laughs at me when I flex them. They still have a long way to come but we are making it one exercise at a time.

SummerLuvR

thanks for the great post!

dragonbug300

Oh so true. I'm 55 and for the first time since my early twenties I have muscles. My hubby laughs at me when I flex them. They still have a long way to come but we are making it one exercise at a time.

Way to go!