Look and Feel Well Enjoy Life at any Age!

The average life span of Americans is now approximately 80 years. Many affluent Americans are living even longer due to their high standard of living and access to cutting edge medical care. However, the big questions to ask yourself are:

1. Is this longer life really enjoyable?
2. Am I able to physically to do most of what I want to do?
3. Do I have constant aches and pains?
4. Am I spending a big portion of my time visiting a variety of doctors?

Just go to any main stream clinic or hospital and you will see that they are overflowing. Many people are bent over, moving slowly and using walkers.
I have been a personal trainer working with clients of all ages for the past 28 years and I know that although this is the norm for the majority of people even in their fifties, it does not have to be this way.

It’s the Quality not the Quantity of Life.
I believe quality of life is more important than quantity, although they can and should go together. Quality means being able to function well both physically and mentally at any age. It is being free from chronic discomfort and dis-ease in your body. It is being well enough to continue to make a contribution to society as well as enjoying the physical pleasures of having a healthy fit body. In other words, quality of life is about not getting old. Thus if you are having quality of life, you naturally will want quantity as well.

Aging vs. Getting Old
We hear a lot about anti-aging these days. I think this is the wrong term to use. You see, aging means to reach your full potential, becoming mature like fine aged wine. Old means to be worn out, unexcited about life, unable to care for your self. We can’t stop aging it’s a natural process, but getting old is something we allow to happen. We allow our bodies to deteriorate from our unhealthy lifestyles. So the key is to learn how to take care of our physical bodies.

Fitness for Seniors
First of all I dislike the term senior. It puts us in a box and implies that we have limitations and convinces us to think and act like an old person.
Everyone at every age needs daily exercise and movement to stay healthy and fit. A proper health and fitness program is one that is suited to your specific current physical condition and abilities and is independent of your age.
We are all capable of doing much better than we tend to believe. There are numerous examples of very healthy and fit individuals in their eighties and nineties. There have been people in their nineties that have run a marathon. It certainly isn’t necessary to be fit enough to run a marathon to keep from being old. We just need a moderate, well rounded program, implemented consistently.

Too Much or Too Little
Most of our physical and mental challenges stem from an excess or a lack of something. Lack of life’s purpose or low self esteem / self worth is what keeps most people from taking better care of their bodies. Too much junk food, alcohol and/ or drugs and too little good nutrition and exercise are a few examples of things that contribute to getting old.
The vast majority of bad posture, muscular weakness and stiffness is due to the lack of a proper regular exercise program. In order to have good aerobic capacity, balance, posture and physical strength, we all need to exercise daily.
Any experienced fitness trainer will tell you that a good diet and exercise program can prevent and alleviate a majority of the physical challenges we commonly face today.

Aging Requires Toughness
There is a famous poster entitled: Aging is not for Sissies. This implies that we have to step up and put forth a strong effort if we want to be functional and enjoy our bodies as we age. Aging requires mental toughness and dedication to taking care of your body.
I promise that if you begin to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, you will look and feel much better and you will be able to live a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.

Take control of your body and your life.
If your physical limitations stem from physical neglect, I say throw away those walkers and get busy improving your strength, balance and flexibility. Consult with a qualified personal trainer or start a regular yoga practice to start you on the right track.