| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #177. Defining seniors and the cigar lady. April 15, 2016 |
Hi
April 15, 2016
In this newsletter . . . Defining Seniors & The Cigar LadyThe Clean & Press
Defining Seniors & The Cigar LadyYears ago, when I put up my first fitness web site, I aimed at a core audience of people at age 50 and above: seniors. If 50 is the eligible age for an AARP membership, which it is, it seemed a reasonable place for me to draw the line as well.Someone said that 50 is the youth of old age. That sounds about right. When it comes to fitness, a trainee at 50, in most instances, can handle more intense training than someone at 60, 70, or more. Since I've kept pretty good training logs, I can look back and compare my own ability in my late 50s to today. At 79, I’m not anywhere close to being as strong as I was then, which should surprise no one. All of this is leading to something a newsletter subscriber, Bob White, sent me:
The Cigar Lady A doctor on his morning walk noticed an old lady sitting on her front step smoking a cigar. Though very elderly, she seemed quite happy with herself and obviously enjoying her stogy. So he walked up to her and said, "I couldn't help but notice how happy you look! What is your secret?" "Well, I smoke several of these cigars a day,’ she said. "I just love 'em. And then before I go to bed, I smoke a nice big joint. I also like Jack Daniels a lot . . . and, frankly, I eat junk food. On weekends, I pop a few happy pills. And in case you’re wondering, I don't exercise at all." "That is absolutely amazing! How old are you?" “’Thirty-four," she replied.
Meanwhile, senior health club memberships are growing faster than any other age category, as most of us are treating ourselves a little better than The Cigar Lady. It is sarcopenia, the wasting away of muscle, that robs seniors of strength, balance and, eventually, their independence. Resistance training — weights, resistance bands and bodyweight calisthenics — is the antidote to sarcopenia.
Senior training should include some portion of resistance work, some portion of cardio, and some portion of flexibility training. Ideally, resistance training should be the heart of the program. If you like the newsletter, we're making it easy to share it . . . 
The Clean & PressWhen it comes to "Old School" training, the Clean & Press immediately comes to mind. It's one of the great full-body movements that challenges and builds most of your body's pulling and pushing muscles in a single exercise.If you haven't used this exercise lately, watch a short video and description of proper form . . . and then give it a try. Few lifts will give you more bang-for-your-buck than the Cleen & Press.  Newsletter Policy The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above. I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money. Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these. The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you. Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom. |
| Back to Back Issues Page |