Fitness as We Age
StewSmith.com
| July 17, 2006
This
week's article was inspired by a former Marine who asked about staying active
through his 60s, 70s, and 80s. Here is his story and question about longevity:
I'm a 55-year-old former Marine 1969 to 1973. I've been in the
Martial Arts since I was 15. I'm a Tae Kwon Do instructor and have maintained my
conditioning all of my life. I train every morning from 4a.m. to 5a.m. using the
methodologies I am accustomed to. I know in reality though that it's only a
matter of time until the old body won't be able to keep up with what my mind
wants it to do. My question is simple. Do you have some general advice for us
older folks to stay in great shape going into our 60s, 70s, and 80s?
Sir, you are exactly right. I highly recommend, as you age, that you maintain
a fitness level that enables you to move around without effort. Once you are in
your mid-fifties or sixties, it is easier to maintain fitness that to try and
get into shape. Fortunately, obtaining a higher fitness level is possible at any
age.
For Those in Shape Now -- How to Maintain
Bravo to all of you who are above 50-years-old and already in shape. You are
way ahead of the power curve, but it is important to train smart as you age in
order to decrease the chances of nagging injuries that could sideline you for
weeks or months.
The key to longevity is to focus on more flexibility training as well as
start adding some non-impact aerobic activity. Flexibility programs like yoga or
even a daily stretching plan as recommended in my recent
stretching article will get you well on your way to building more flexible
joints. Non-impact aerobic activities like swimming, biking, rowing, roller-blading,
and elliptical gliding are great forms of cardiovascular exercise. These
activities will help you burn calories and fat, build muscle, and strengthen
bones while protecting the joints from unnecessary pounding.
As I age, I plan on making swimming and yoga a near-daily routine. The
zero-gravity effects of swimming and yoga make them ideal ways to maintain
cardiovascular health and joint fitness. Your fitness program can still involve
lifting, PT, and running, but being more flexible will make you less susceptible
to injuries that could sideline you for several weeks.
For Those Out of Shape -- How to Get Started
For those of you who are trying to get started with a fitness routine --
whether its your first time ever or if you've taken a few decades of vacation
from a fitness routine -- there is hope as long as you can fit fitness into your
schedule. In only minutes a day, you can go from being sedentary to a higher
fitness level. If you or any of your family members are in the position --
download this
free Starter Plan and send it to your friends or family members who need to
start exercising. This plan has everything you need to get started with
stretching, gentle exercise, motivational stories, and an eating plan to help
you lose weight without dieting.
This is the same
45-day beginner plan
that is sold on the
StewSmith.com eBook Store. If you
buy this one by accident, I will send you the next level (45 Day Intermediate)
for free.
Thanks for the e-mails. Keep them coming at
stew@stewsmith.com.
