How “Old” Did You Say You Are?
Every day in my career, I help individuals set health and wellness goals that will help them as they age not only for the short-term but also for the long-term. Individuals that are transitioning into different stages of life; starting their careers in their 20s, parents raising their kid’s through elementary and high school, to others that into their retirement years staying active. No matter what phase in life, many individuals I interact with have a common themed question of “How do I stay young?” or “How do I age gracefully?” or “How do I avoid the diseases my parents had?”
These are very challenging questions to answer. Every day we are bombarded with advertisements for the next best solutions to make you feel great, look even better, and live a healthier life. With so much information out there, what are common ideas that we can utilize consistently for the long-term with our overall wellbeing? I asked one of my clients who is having success with these areas of life these questions to gain insight and knowledge. Here’s his collective wisdom that I wanted to pass on to you.
“Not giving up” is a saying he always tells me. He is in his mid 70s has great overall health, solid balance, strong all around, happy, and confidently independent. He told me his story of how he began his journey and how he got to where he is. Unlike most individuals, he didn’t start his health and wellness journey until he was in his 60s because of life circumstances and exercise wasn’t as popular as it is now.
Wanting to lose a few pounds so he reached out for support and started a regular exercise routine. He was able to learn how a healthy lifestyle was able to offer him positive benefits in a variety of areas of his life. Dropping the weight around the midsection reduced his risk of cardiovascular disease, a variety of cancers, and metabolic diseases. He went from having issues with balance just standing to the ability to complete a squat standing on a BOSU ball.
Learning how to eat smart and correctly was just a process just like anything else. It took some time and effort to make it apart of my routine but he said that it has changed his life. I feel happy because of the exercise and I like the results because I feel the difference. “I don’t feel my age. I talk to people and they think I’m much younger than I am. I attribute it to my hard work and dedication to this healthy lifestyle.”
He always tells me that he really enjoys his time spent exercising. If we all find positive health behaviors that we enjoy, we will have longevity with our health and wellbeing. It has been proven that individuals that are able to find activities that they like, have much more success than others with consistency. Find something you like to do fitness wise and keep at it.
An insight I have gained from him is that growing older doesn’t mean that you have to fit into a specific norm of slowing down or retiring from what you like to do. Having confidence that physically and mentally you can be stronger next year than you were the previous year is a true reality. It just takes some commitment with eating the right types of food, exercising regularly, coping with stress, and getting enough rest.
No matter what your age, taking a risk of putting your health as a priority may allow you to have success now and in the years to come. Next time you look in your mirror ask the face gazing back at you, “How old did you say you are?” and “How old do you say you feel?”
The key to more energy and feeling younger is found in the fountain of exercise and nutrition, regardless of that DOB on your driver license. Find something you like to do fitness wise and keep at it.
Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom designed to fit your needs and abilities. Call 619-794-0014 for more information or to schedule a free fitness diagnostic and private training session. See what others are saying about us on Yelp and San Diego City Search.
Category: Business, Health & Fitness, Life Style, Local News, Seniors
