Club News & Blog

No matter our age, our bodies are meant to move.

Many of us believe that as we get older, we become weaker and our bodies undergo changes. Some use the excuse, "This is who I am, and I will never change”, but this mindset is misguided. It's a belief we tell ourselves to justify inaction. However, there are a few individuals in this world who have proven that, regardless of age, we can still look good as we grow older.

Let's consider Joan MacDonald, a 78-year-old woman in remarkable shape. She has developed a level of muscle strength that many thought impossible for someone her age. This transformation is the result of a significant change in her mindset. Almost eight years ago, she was taking multiple medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and acid reflux. She frequently visited doctors who told her that her health was deteriorating day by day.

One day, she grew tired of listening to the doctors and taking all the medications. She no longer felt comfortable in her skin and realized it was time to make a positive change. MacDonald reflects, “I knew I had to do something different. I had watched my mom go through the same ordeal, taking medication after medication, and I didn't want that life for myself”.¹

Soon, she got in touch with a trainer and began her fitness journey. She started going for walks as a form of cardio, practicing yoga to improve her mobility, and even began weightlifting. Today, she has lost over 60 pounds and no longer needs the medications prescribed by her doctors. She achieved this by focusing on her health - eating well, staying active, and allowing her body time to rest.

This serves as a prime example that age should not be an excuse for neglecting a healthy lifestyle. According to studies from Harvard, researchers state that "humans evolved to remain physically active as they age, and by doing so, to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow the body's gradual deterioration over the years. This can help protect against long-term illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer".²

This key point emphasizes that maintaining your physical health can contribute to a longer life. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to your mental health, as many people experience depression as they age. Exercise is highly recommended because it also has positive effects on mental well-being. According to studies by the Mayo Clinic, the endorphins released during workouts are known as "feel-good endorphins." These natural brain chemicals enhance your sense of well-being and can help take your mind off worries. Other benefits of exercise include increased confidence, more social interaction, and the ability to cope with challenges in healthier ways.³

Getting Started: 6 Key Steps to Improve Your Health

1. Strength Training: Incorporate machines, dumbbells, or kettlebells into your workouts.
2. Cardio Exercise: Use equipment like the rower, treadmill, or elliptical to boost your cardiovascular health.
3. Mobility and Stretching: Include mobility exercises and stretching in your routine to enhance flexibility.
4. Eat Whole Foods: Focus on consuming whole foods. Aim to avoid preservatives and prioritize good sources of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and fats.
5. Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep and take time to rest.
6. Practice Meditation: Don't forget the importance of mental health; regular meditation can be a great way to support your overall well-being.

In the long run, stop using your age as an excuse. Instead, start saying, “It's time for a change.” This is your opportunity to become stronger and healthier, allowing you to take your grandkids out to play ball and make lasting memories, rather than sitting on the couch feeling sorry for yourself. Take action and don’t become the person you would hate to become.

“Taking it easy” can hurt you in the long run. Get up and work on yourself a little bit each day. Trust me, you will feel a lot better.

Sources:

1. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/joan-macdonald-73-year-old-fitness-fanatic
   
   
2. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/experiencing-gratitude-associated-with-greater-longevity-among-older-adults/
   
   
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495