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The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #172. Act 2 in Life February 01, 2016 |
Hi February 1, 2016
In this newsletter . . . Act 2 in LifeArnold Press + Dumbbell Curls
Act 2 in LifeNote: Some of the following on retirement ran here six years ago. It got good reader response from those nearing or already in a retirement lifestyle. But I wonder about the young whippersnapper seniors in their early 50s? Is the subject only for the over 60 crowd? I hope not. Because the younger you are when you consider your future in retirement, the better off you will be when the day arrives. It’s guaranteed. So please read on, everybody . . .The nosy people at AARP know when you turn 50 and send you an invitation to join their organization. In their eyes, you’ve just crossed that line — you are a senior, like it or not. It has been nearly 30 years since I found my invitation in the mailbox. So I’ve been a senior a long time. At first, it was a shock. Who, me? A senior? Can’t be. I sure don’t feel like a senior. For a while, I would joke about it with friends. Hey, AARP wants me. Funny, right? But the clock stops for no one. Even younger seniors, who don’t think much about retirement, will, eventually, realize the day isn’t all that far off. Depressing? For some, it is. And that's too bad. Because here is the good part: When you do finally retire, you really can, if you choose to, and you have planned ahead, rediscover your passion in life. Here is how I did it . . . I knew that art and fitness were my callings by the time I was a teenager, and probably even earlier than that. One thing I could do better than most of my peers was sketch and draw with accuracy. Another thing was that I was continually looking for ways to build strength and fitness. Other matters, some critically important in life, and some really not worthy of effort, diverted my attention along the way; but, finally, there I was — retired. I could actually do as I pleased. Now that many years have passed I can say that I’ve never really felt a void. In fact, it has been quite the opposite. I am fortunate to have been absorbed in the creative process of making art, while at the same time promoting the fitness lifestyle. Without these strong interests, however, or something equally engaging, I cannot imagine what life would be like. We've all seen people who retire and then squander potentially rewarding years. Probably your interests are very different than mine. The differences aren’t important. What’s important is that somewhere in each of us interests are there, perhaps even dormant passions, waiting to be rediscovered and released. One good way to uncover them is by looking backward to your childhood and adolescence. Recall the thoughts, activities, and dreams that sent your imagination and spirit soaring. Those are your clues. Develop interests related to them and you are likely to experience a personal renaissance. For related senior information see: Financial Fitness. Physical Fitness. If you like the newsletter, we're making it easy to share it . . . The Arnold Press + Dumbbell CurlsThe Arnold Press was a favorite of California's former governor during his Muscle Beach days. He liked to start dumbbell presses with his palms facing him, and as the weights were pressed overhead they rotated to face forward. He would retrace the movement in the reverse coming down.I've added something to the mix: dumbbell curls. I think you'll find that it's a nice upper-body combination movement that flows well, while working biceps, triceps, and shoulders. Watch the short demonstration video here. 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. |
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