Every now and then I come across a client who is concerned that it may be too late for them to start getting in shape. In fact, sometimes I hear people say things like: “Well, I’m over the “hill” now, I don’t want to make a laughing stock of myself “pumping iron” (learning yoga, skipping rope or what have you) at 55 (65, even 85)! This is a common misconception. We are born to move, and there’s no excuse for neglecting our body’s inherent need for exertion.
Actually studies have repeatedly confirmed that with a proper approach people of all ages greatly benefit from exercise. Typically, with regular exercise, one is expected to see improvements in multiple areas: from regulated blood pressure and sugar, to improved balance, bone density and cardiovascular health, to elevated mood, lifted anxiety and depression, to say nothing of muscle tone and more youthful appearance. I have consistently seen such changes in my “senior” clients, no matter whether they were in their sixties or eighties, and the joy in their eyes is the best proof of the benefits.
One of the most striking examples* that illustrate my point is the remarkable story of Ernestine Shepherd, a two-time Guinness World record holder as oldest competing bodybuilder at 76 years of age! You may think, being a bodybuilder, she surely has been into this all her life. Not so! She began training at seventy-one! Follow the link below to watch her strut her stuff proudly, could ever guess her age?
Video: Ernestine Shepherd – Bodybuilder at 76!
Another amazing example is Johanna Quaas, an 86 (eighty-six!) year young German lady, who holds a Guinness World record as an oldest gymnast.
Video: Johanna Quaas, an 86 year young Gymnast!
These are just two out of scores of people who choose to challenge themselves daily and claim the healthy and active life they deserve! It is NEVER too late. No matter how hard the work, the payoff is immeasurable. Admittedly, it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone, break old habits and take action. If you find yourself debating on whether or not to take on a challenge of getting in a better shape, ask for support from your loved ones: after all, they will benefit from your improved health as well!
The best way to ensure you stay on track and reach your goals with less time and effort is to hire a professional who will create a personalized fitness regimen and offer you meal suggestions that are most suitable to your needs and requirements. Schedule a complimentary personal training session with a Certified Personal Trainer in Orange County by clicking here or simply call (949) 441-0678. You can also sign up here for our monthly newsletter to receive free tips, tools and secrets to improve your health and fitness. Give yourself a chance to grow younger, stronger and happier. You’ll be glad you did!
Till then, stay Young! 🙂
~ Heart-Centered Business ~
*More inspiring stories:
A 92 year-old cancer survivor and marathoner!
A 93 year-old Yoga instructor!
None of this is easy. We are all very busy, there is so much urgency and chaos in our environment and it is so hard to focus on yourself. We get tired, we have pains and aches or maybe we’re not in a mood, whatever the excuse, our “exercise ethics” can suffer greatly. But what are the ramifications?
