A personal
trainer, huh?!

A while back, The Wall Street Journal ran a special section titled “Best New Ideas in Retirement.” As expected, there were articles about social security, Baby Boomers, financial independence, brain training and other items of senior interest.

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

A woman, aged 86, regularly does workouts that include burpees, mountain climbers, and planks. Those are hard-core movements. A late bloomer, she began training when she was a mere 78.

In spite of the neat title, does every senior need a personal trainer? Well, not necessarily. But yes, a beginning senior does need an experienced guiding hand of some kind when starting out. Even some “old pros” do better with a trainer. But others don’t.

People are living longer. And the whole idea, 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 eat well. Plant-based diets are favored and highly processed foods are best avoided. Some partake in adult beverages, a cocktail or two. But none mentioned overdid it.

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

To the question about Personal trainers: Do you need one? If so, there are many types, and not all of them work in health clubs. Many will come to your home.

Some subscribers who write me are 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 tend to pump iron, by themselves, or with a buddy or two. There are exceptions in all categories, of course. The “one size does not fit all” rule always applies.

As long as your routine or program is regular and includes some degree of cardio, resistance work and flexibility, and you like what you’re doing, those are the key ingredients for success. They might not always be easy — but they aren’t complicated.

Some time ago, a subscriber, John Kosciak, sent me a wonderful video interview with Doug Hepburn, considered the world's strongest man back in the 1940s and '50s. John's cousin, Paul Pjarnason, of Vancouver, B.C., provided it. I think you’ll find it entertaining and wise. Its called, A lesson on life.

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