Fitness Tips: What You Can Learn From Seniors

I am awestruck by the older age groups (60+ letsay) finishing running races, or that you see on TV finishing Ironman races.
If you talk to them, they don't seem "old" -- in fact, exercisers have almost made me completely redefine "old" as not being physical, because I have met 72 year olds who were much younger than my dad was at 50.

Even the ones who can't do much, who keep doing something-- wow. I knew one woman who had multiple severe strokes and shook fiercely just going about her daily life - but she'd show up 3x a week to do her little routine....

And how about Sister Madonna Buder, finishing Kona Ironman every year... she finishes last a lot, but she finishes 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run -- widely admired in the ironman community... she's in her late 70's!!

I'm one of the people with the "don't talk to me" vibe at the gym and I agree that I could be a lot friendlier, and most of the time, it's really that I don't want to be talked to incessantly.

I took a short ski vacation a couple of weeks ago, and as the conditions had become slushy, I hit the treadmill in the fitness center - as I was finishing up, one of the other patrons -a man easily in his late 70's and extremely fit - was telling me about a pilates class that was starting in the spa in a few minutes.

I joined the class that was about 1/2 full of seniors - all in impeccable shape. The image of these folks easily executing moves that some of the 30-somethings had a hard time with has stayed with me, and I know that it will continue to be an inspiration - because that is the life that I'm working towards.

One of my greatest inspirations was a 80 year old gentleman I met while I was going through rehab on a broken leg (he was taking his wife in for treatments). He participates in the Senior Olympics, flies his own private plane, gives generously of his time to charities, and is just an all around happy, friendly guy.
I told him I hoped to be half as healthy as he is when I reach 80. He said, "You can! You just have to start now. If you wait until you are 79, it just does not work."
Though anyone can improve their health at any age, to be truly healthy in your old age, you have to get on the right track and stay there starting now.

I took a strength training class about 10 years ago that was taught by a 73 year old man. He was one of those people who just radiated energy. He taught that you could live really well by embracing a healthy lifestyle. He inspires me still.

My father-in-law is in his 70's and he is one of those people that seem so much younger. He's in great shape, full of life, still works as a substitute teacher, and even skies! I, on the other hand, do not ski. Tried it once, and ended up taking the "old" man OUT getting off the ski lift!

There is one older lady at our gym who needs a walker, but she gets to her recumbant bike or other piece of equipment and does her 30 minutes each day. That is such an inspiration. Heck, my 80+ year old grandfather (who I just met in the last 3 years) was in better shape than me before I started losing weight. He golfs every day and is so full of energy it used to make me tired just watching him. Not anymore, but he's still a huge source of motivation.

About number 4.

I feel the gym isn't supposed to be a social event. Don't do your hair and put on makeup you stupid girls.

Go in get your work done and leave.

You are screwing up my rest times in between sets if you talk to me.

If you are able to hold a conversation WHILE working out you shouldn't even be there. Stop wasting your time.

I have a relative who's more lively at 75 than he was at 60, thanks to dropping 80 pounds and exercising everyday. It's amazing the kind of miracles simple workouts can cause.

No shit then I throw it all away with a large pizza.

My grandma, who's in her 70's, had to get her hip replaced a couple years ago due to arthritis. Some people would whine and complain about the pain, but my grandma was really excited about being able to walk again, pain free. Once her doc OK'ed it, she started walking and doing strength training at the fitness center in the senior community where she lives. She's slimmed down considerably and built a lot of muscle mass. She refuses to end up like my grandpa (her late husband) who became "old" far too early. He was already ready to kick the bucket when he was in his 50's and he didn't really care to change his lifestyle to try and feel younger. I plan on being one of those old ladies that runs marathons...I'm not too worried about dropping dead from a heart attack any time soon. I eat a diet very high in antioxidants and I'm pretty sure as long as you have a pretty decent training program, you don't have to be a genetic freak to be able to do that much physical activity when you're old.

Oh, and Heather: You GO girl!! You're my fitness inspiration for when I get pregnant. I do NOT plan on sitting on my tush for 9 months. I, too, have heard that as long as you don't get your heart rate up too terribly high and eat enough, you can exercise pretty much all through your pregnancy. Didn't the woman who won the NY marathon give birth only 2 months before the race? Craziness.

"70-ish woman doing squats"!?! There is a God.

This is such appropriate timing for my latest blog about Ms. Patti. I teach a senior class called Senior Strength but I call it Seniors Total Body Conditioning and I am always impressed with their motivation, dedication and ability to go with the flow. I make them do all sorts of things. I love to see them lifting heavier weights and more cardio. You are right though, they are friendly and love to socialize way more than the younger gymaholics. Great post and good tips too.

SpinDiva

Really interesting story and great blog. First time here...I'll be back. :) Thanks.

Very inspiring piece of story. Age is just a number. When we say a person is old, it is just a perception. Change it and together with regular exercise, we can live a longer healthier life.

I love to run. But my mother keeps harping on me that I am ruining my knees. That's why I am always encouraged when I hear stories of old people running marathons and things like that.

Run Forest run :-D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfFrCUrEbY :)

My gradfather is in his late 80s and is the picture of health. He is what we can all hope to be. Ran everyday of his life until about two years ago when he took a spill outside. The paramedics found him in a snowstorm with a body temperature below 86 degrees. They do not know how he was still alive. He fully recovered and within a month was planning his daily mile walks around the local mall. There have been other near death experiences for him as well. I can't help but feel that he wouldn't be in such good spirits and health if he wasn't such an avid runner and health nut.

I think most people have a hard time sticking to a structed exercise regimen.i've found the only way for me to get consistent exercise is if i'm having fun.So i bought a great dog and we walk about 10 miles a day.

I couldn't complete a triathlon now. Or when I was 18 and as fit as I'll ever be. I wasn't build for that stuff. One look at my short stocky body tells you that if you need some furniture moved, I'm your girl, but long periods of cardio aren't my thing.

I can handle a 50m spin class or interval training, but I couldn't even survive a half-marathon. 10k, sure, if most of it was walking (I'm a bit of a walking maniac who'll walk 5k to go somewhere just cause the weather is nice).

I guess if we look at the activity of children we can guess what our bodies are made for

I don't do gyms. I just hoover, make beds, do the ironing and tidy up. It's first-class exercise and much cheaper!

Great tips to inspire fitness for seniors. Age is no barrier!

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Of course, it is important to check with the doctor before starting an exercise program. This is especially true for someone just beginning a program.