If you’re like me, you probably wonder how you ever did some of the things you used to do.
In my case, I used to run long distances just for the fun of it. I was an avid cyclist–occasionally to the tune of over 100 miles in a day. But now … the mere thought of doing that makes me break into a sweat.
So I set my sights lower. Instead of running for an hour, I run to the mailbox on the next block. Instead of playing five sets of tennis, I hit the ball briefly with my youngest sons. Instead of bounding up four flights of stairs, I look for an elevator. After all, that’s how it’s supposed to be when you reach a certain age, isn’t it?
Well, apparently not.
It’s possible you’ve heard about a picture of senior fitness named Dr. Jeffry Life. Dr. Life was an accomplished athlete when he was young, but inactivity in his middle age led to weight gain and borderline diabetes.
Dr. Life remained out of shape throughout his fifties. But at 60 he read about a fitness contest, was inspired to turn his life around, and began working out.
If you check out a photo of Dr. Life, now in his early seventies, you’ll probably agree that his was an amazing transformation.
But Dr. Life doesn’t view his situation as anything out of the ordinary. “If I could to this in my sixties,” he said, “I truly believe anybody can.”
Whether Dr. Life has a genetic advantage or not isn’t the point. Can I be as buff at my age as he is–or can you? That’s not important. What is important is realizing that it’s never too late to turn things around fitness-wise. Senior workouts can help anyone get back in shape, and a sensible senior diet can work wonders, too.
By all accounts, paying attention to fitness, building up strength and endurance, working out and sticking to a senior cardio program, and eating right can yield nothing but benefits.
Joining a gym can be a great move, but it’s not the only one. Perhaps you live in a community with plenty of healthy recreational facilities. If not, you may want to consider an option like SilverSneakers, an exercise and wellness program that helps older adults get fit, stay fit, and have fun.
There are plenty of ways to work on fitness, but the key to success is in the commitment and in realizing it’s never too late to start getting fit. Not only that, you can start as slowly as you need to.
With your Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage coverage and a good overall senior fitness program, your health will thank you!
What’s the best way you’ve found to keep–and stay–fit? Please leave a comment letting us know what works best for you!
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Senior Fitness – An Introduction © 2012 MedicareMall.com