By David Tepera, August 27, 2024
Notice in the title, I chose lifting weights over strength training. As much as those are similar, people are led to think differently.
Don’t misunderstand me, it is still good working out with bands, body weight exercises and other fitness programs, but you’re never too old to put iron in your hands and lift weights.
I’m referring to dumbbells, ez bars, pin-loaded weight machines, including free weights. This is good-old-school pumping iron.
Our 80-year-old client Ada sent us a quote she found “I’d rather be the oldest person in the gym, than the youngest person in the nursing home.” Now, read that again and do something about it.
It’s the weights that builds muscles around the joints to strengthen and protect. Of course, walking, biking or any cardio exercise is good, but lifting weights is the closest path to slow down the aging process.
I’ve written this many a time, but it’s humbling to hear the stories from all our senior clients of how their life has changed from lifting weights.
Listen, find a local gym and start your new journey to living. Get out of that old boring routine of taking prescriptions and watch television.
When you join a gym, and you’re not familiar with weights, then invest in a personal trainer for only a couple of sessions to learn the basics. Don’t be afraid of sticking out in a gym of youngins. You’ll be surprised how much respect you’ll get for lifting weights as an elder.
I apologize if I’m self-promoting, but we do offer a three-session training to teach people safe and proper lifting techniques, along with a lifting program. We do this so you can be comfortable to lift weights at your local gym.
Bottom line, quit making excuses for your current situation. Yes, all our days are limited, so why are you wasting yours away?
Every day I get up and punch Father Time in the face. Yep, I’m slowing down, but I’m not out and neither are you. I don’t mind losing a battle, but I will not lose the war of enjoying life.
I don’t care what your situation is to date. You’re the only one who can change it, so today you’re going to do something about it. Now, get up and get out!