A Healthful,
Happy Life

The Wall Street Journal once ran a special section titled “Best New Ideas in Retirement.” There were articles about Social Security, Baby Boomers, financial independence, brain training, etc., all items that seniors care about.

What captured my attention was a lengthy piece called “Your Personal Trainer May Be As Important As Your Financial Adviser.” It began with a story about a man who had followed the same 26-minute exercise routine since the Eisenhower administration. The writer said the man feels a sprightly 70. He was in fact 97.

And there was a woman, aged 86, who had a personal trainer and regularly did workouts that included burpees, mountain climbers, and planks: not easy exercise movements for older people. A late bloomer, she began training when she was a mere 78.

Does every senior need a personal trainer? Not necessarily. Yes, a beginning senior really does need an experienced guiding hand when starting out. And even some “old pros” do better having a trainer: some require a regular nudge to keep themselves focused. Others don’t, or may even think of a trainer as getting in the way. And, of course, there is the expense of a trainer, which must be considered.

People are living longer. And the goal, of course, is to stay as fit as possible for as long as possible. Exercise movement is the key. But what about diet? Most of the old folks in the WSJ article ate well. Plant-based diets were favored and highly processed foods avoided. Some would drink a cocktail or two. But none overdid it.

Family ties, friends, and owning a pet were other important factors that led to a happy and longer life.

Some subscribers who write are senior beginners, but most are experienced and working out on their own, at home, outdoors, or in gyms. Some prefer group workout classes, which of course are led by an instructor/trainer. Generally, women dominate group workouts while men more often pump iron, solo, or with a buddy or two. There are exceptions in all categories, of course.

Anything that keeps you moving is good, as long as your routine or program is regular. Ideally, it should include some degree of cardio, resistance work and flexibility. And you must like what you’re doing. If dreaded, it won’t last. So enjoy yourself.

Stay healthy. Stay fit.

Logan

Senior Exercise Central

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Sincerely,

Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com