Do you need
a personal trainer?

Your fitness training may be as important as good financial advice, said a news article. It began with a story about a man who has followed the same 26-minute exercise routine since the Eisenhower administration. The article's writer said the man feels a sprightly 70.

He was in fact 97.

He wasn’t the only old person in great shape. One woman, aged 86, regularly does workouts that include burpees, mountain climbers, and planks. These are hard-core exercise movements. A late bloomer, she began training when she was a mere 78.

So, should every senior hire a personal trainer? Yes, a beginning senior really does need a guiding hand when starting out. Some people--even old pros--simply require a regular nudge to keep themselves on the straight and narrow. But others don’t. Once having gone through the beginner stage, they do just fine exercising alone, or with a partner or two.

People are living longer. The whole idea now is to stay as fit as possible for as long as possible. Formal exercise or everyday movement of all kinds is the key. But what about diet? Plant-based diets are favorable and highly processed foods are best avoided. Some elders partake in adult beverages, a cocktail or two. But none that were mentioned in the article overdid it.

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

Back 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.

Some subscribers who write me are beginners but most are experienced and are 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. Speaking generally, women usually dominate group workouts, while men tend to pump iron, solo, or with a buddy or two. There are exceptions in all categories, of course. “One size does not fit all” rule applies.

It is all good, as long as your routine or program is regular and includes some degree of cardio, resistance work and flexibility. And you must like what you’re doing. Anything that is dreaded won’t last, either with exercise programs or the latest diet craze. Those are the key ingredients for success. They really aren’t complicated.

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