Archive for the ‘50+ Training’ Category

Age? What does that have to do with it?

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Some of my clients who are 50+ in age seem to be concerned that it has become “too late” for them to get back into shape.  Nonsense!  If you’re still moving and breathing, you still have muscle.  It is never too late to get into shape and get your muscles back in working order. 

  Exercise is stress that causes your body to become stronger.  If you decide to start a walking routine, your body will have to sit up and take notice.  After being a little sore maybe for a day or two, when you repeat the act, your body will be ready for the next time out.  This is called adaptation. ..Survival.  Your muscles have been stressed and must get prepared in case it happens again (and it better happen again!  There is nothing worse than exercising one day, getting sore, and never doing it again!)  It is not the age of our body, but condition, and the condition can be changed.  The way to condition your body is to use it.  Age has absolutely nothing to do with regaining strength.

 Other great benefits of exercise are the difference you will find in mind and emotions.  According to science, when exercising, the body releases what they call “endorphins”.  Endorphins give you a “well being” feeling.  I am not a doctor, but I can personally testify this is true!  Depression can rest on any of us at anytime.  There is something about exercise that actually minimizes or completely eliminates this aliment.  Remember this.  Your body will follow your mind.  When you determine in your mind to do this, your body will follow.  It is never too late; you are never too old to start making a positive change in your body. 

Laurie Jones, offering in home Personal Fitness Trainer. 

WEBSITE:  lauriesimplyfit.com

E-MAIL: simplyfit@cncnet.com

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50 + in the gym

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

It’s common to see at the gym mostly young men working with weights.  Women and the older generation seem to lean towards cardio machines and a little bit of resistance circuit training. 

For those who are not members of gyms, and have made walking their primary exercise, think about incorporate weight training into your routine.

Weight or resistance training is extremely important at all ages and does not stop when we are older.  As a matter of fact, as we age, it would be in our best interest to continue diligently with resistance training for the mere fact that if you do not, you will become significantly weaker.  And we certainly do not want this since we want to be as independent as possible.

What resistance training (working with weight) does for us is keeps our muscles strong.  When the muscle is not worked, it becomes smaller, weaker.  When we push or pull resistance, our muscles are forced to work making them grow larger, stronger.  This has nothing to do with age.  If you put your muscles under stress, they must adapt.  

So, what do you do if you are not a member of a gym?  You can pick up hand weights at any sports store  (or Walmart) and start lifting in the privacy of your home.  When I train my clients in home, they purchase 3, 5, 8, and 10 pound weights which we use for total upper body work-outs.  Lower body is accomplished with squats, lunges, and a variety of other exercises I have up my sleeve! 

And, it is fun!  Not only will you start to become stronger physically, but also mentally and emotionally.  You will see a change in your body and realize “By golly!  I still have it!”  So, get out of your favorite chair, turn off that T.V., run to the local sports store, and get to work!  The small amount of work it takes will pay you huge dividends! 

Laurie Jones

Offering in home personal training.  Simplyfit@cncnet.com

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