February 15, 2022

In this newsletter . . .

Working out
in retirement

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

One woman, aged 86, has a trainer and regularly does workouts that include burpees, mountain climbers, and planks. As you know, these are not easy exercise movements for older people. A late bloomer, she began training when she was a mere 78.

But does every senior need a personal trainer? Not necessarily. It’s situational. Yes, a beginning senior really does need an experienced guiding hand of some kind when starting out. And even some “old pros” do better with a trainer. Some simply require a regular nudge to keep themselves focused. Others don’t, and may even think of a trainer as getting in the way. And there is the expense.

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. 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 overdid it.

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

To the question about Personal trainers: Do you need one? If so, there are many varieties. And not all work in health clubs.

Some subscribers who write me 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. The one-size-does-not-fit-all rule always applies.

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. Anything that’s dreaded won’t last, either with exercise programs or the latest diet craze.

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