So What Happened?

May 27, 2018 – 

A person I have been training thinks about their condition and says to me, ”I used to be in such good shape …what happened?” Aging is a very common confusion for all of us really. Some think “what happened to my strength?!” Others are amazed at how tight they are and think, “what happened to my flexibility? And another said out loud to me, “shoot, I walk up one flight of stairs and almost want/need to stop and catch my breath.” All three could actually apply to many of us (in some capacity). So the question is simply, ‘what happened’?

We hear it all the time, ‘age fades but, character shines.’ Well, nobody actually  said it and with that you have another Bobism! When we look at other people one of the first things we all think, if we are being honest is how healthy or in shape the other person is. When we do this, we compare ourselves to that person. We actually judge them according to this observation, don’t we?  Yes.  Age does happen. Truth is, my loving wife actually said to me while Mother’s Day shopping for a dress. “You should wear your black suit next weekend, it will look good with your salt and pepper hair.” WHAT, she said I have a grey hair. Ok whatever…

One of the most common things I hear is, “what happened to my strength?” Unless you have a genetic condition that adversely affects your muscles, you stopped the level of exercise that your younger self did. Most of us had an entirely different exercise level and body to prove it. You made time to exercise. You liked how healthy felt and trained your muscles to be strong or did exercises that kept you healthy. Your muscles adapt to their needs, and adaptation is a principal of strength training or bodybuilding. Get weak, get old? Hmm.

Many of you already know that the first time we met I asked you to move around and I measured how tight (inflexible) you were. You also know that when you try to balance on one foot and pull your other foot upward towards your bottom that your heel does not connect with it your fanny … Try it, kick your own butt! I can do it, if you cannot then your quads and hip flexors are tight. Get busy getting limber or let natural flexion take over. Tight hips lead to poor movement, which leads to falls, which leads to injuries. So stretch, please.

One client of mine works in a building where they offered him an elevator pass to go up to the second floor … he declined. He knows he needs to take the steps and he knows he needs the exercise …like a stair master just real-world movement.

Your heart is no joke, if you let your heart (which is a muscle) get weak, your energy, your immune system, and your sleep will suffer. These are the immediate obvious symptoms and a sign of inevitable heart disease or worse. Some of this is hereditary and for those of us handed down that not so lucky genetic … take notice. Your heart is NO JOKE … get out and do some cardio! I feel Ike I just yelled at some of you … sorry, I feel horrible about that.

In any sport or level of health and fitness, those who truly desire to be physically FIT will practice Cardio, Strength Training, Flexibility and Functional movements, as well as eat a sensible and disciplined diet. Diet is no joke, remember you are what you eat.  So eat like you mean it, food is not only fuel but food is medicine too.  Food is your friend!

So many things in life are without our control and aging is no doubt the most personal. If we choose to take care of ourselves with exercise, disciplined nutrition, proper hydration, relaxation and happiness … well then we will look great! If we choose to live a bit too large, eat processed and unhealthy food and partake in too many livations, we will not look or feel our best.

We never considered we would be anything but young, right.  You are the only person who can honesty take care of yourself.  Don’t get old and weak, make a commitment to work on your muscle and fitness.  Start it now, exercise!!

In good health,

Bob

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Ronald Dahl