This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health.
At what age do people tell themselves they are “too old” for certain things or activities, especially in terms of fitness? It probably varies a lot, maybe starting in their forties or fifties or sixties. But what if I reminded you that age is just a number? What if I gently reminded you that genes cannot cause sickness; genetics form a base, of course, but your habits ultimately impact your overall health. In other words, just because a parent or grandparent perhaps had a disease or high blood pressure or a heart attack, that does not mean you are destined for the same path. How you live your life–your daily habits, your movement, your nutrition, your hydration, your sleep quality—you are the one shaping your life and health journey.
I think it is so important to meet yourself where *you* are at. If you can do it, then do it. If not, listen to your body, do what you can, and celebrate your abilities and skillsets. It’s best to avoid falling into that ugly trap of thinking you’re too old just because society might have an opinion of what activities align with certain ages. Choose what fitness level works for you and enhances your quality of life! Longevity is the key, right?
Daily, I see individuals of all ages doing tough things physically and mentally. At my CrossFit gym, there are kids and teenagers, middle-aged athletes, as well as some in their seventies, lifting weights, jumping on boxes, doing pull-ups, using the assault bike, and much more; they are expending a lot of effort and energy and pushing themselves to be the best they can be. It is incredible to see people of all ages meeting themselves where they are with their fitness.
I see it all at the gym where I work: young, aging folks, and in-between. A strong sense of community is intact, where people forge friendships amidst moving their bodies and lifting weights, no matter their age. One of the gym regulars is in her sixties with completely defined muscles and a physique that screams that she has prioritized her body. A male client of mine in his late sixties can push a sled multiple times with 315 pounds on it. I have female clients of all ages who absolutely love the barbell. One is 77 years old and enjoys doing bench presses each week because she loves how empowered she feels with that particular lift. Her husband didn’t believe her when she told him she was bench pressing with a 45-pound barbell, so we took a video, and he stood corrected! It’s just another fun reminder that age truly is just a number.
Age should never be an excuse; growing older does not equate to being unable to get more fit. By investing in your health, you can keep evolving and reach new fitness levels as you age. Individuals who grow more physically and mentally fit as they age generally incorporate the following behaviors:
Consistency
Just show up each day and meet yourself where you are at. If you have 40% energy on any given day, and you give that 40%, then you gave 100%! You do not have to lift heavy or run a marathon to be fit. Showing up routinely and prioritizing your movement matters, whether it’s walking, going to yoga class, or indeed lifting some moderate weights. Nothing needs to be extreme with your workouts, and you don’t have to spend hours at the gym; consistency is what truly matters. If you have a workout routine that you cannot maintain and prevents you from achieving longevity and sustainability, then it’s time to assess things and consider a new routine.
Intentionality with nutrition and hydration
Being mindful of what you put into your body is important as you age. Undoubtedly, this is a tough arena for many, but it is manageable when you focus on the intentionality of your food choices as well as your hydration. If you find yourself reaching for food when you are bored, or if you are feeling emotional, or for whatever reason other than actual hunger, that is something to perhaps address. Do you aim for well-balanced meals? Do you aim to drink the appropriate amount of water (doctors recommend getting at least half your body weight in ounces each day)? How we fuel and hydrate our bodies absolutely matters as we age, and we should celebrate that because quality and longevity of life are essential! There is no magic machine out there or movement that reduces belly fat; abs are made in the kitchen.
Maintaining positivity
Generally, people who focus on what can go right instead of what could go wrong and those who embody the “glass half full” mentality are healthier as they age. Being fit mentally is just as important as being fit physically. Focusing on your victories, no matter how small, and working on improving any perceived weaknesses can lead to a healthier path and potentially remove some obstacles in your life.
Incorporating mobility
Stretching and mobility are very important as we age. This is another area that is perhaps overlooked at times but proves critical, especially to avoid stiffness, tightness, and potential injuries from falls or other accidents stemming from poor posture or mobility. Anything you add in this category, even if it’s just stretching a few minutes a day, can improve your physical fitness and quality of life.
Body and mind alignment
Staying fit as we age is very much attainable, and listening to your body may be the core component. If you feel like pushing yourself, then go for it. If you feel like you need a rest day, and you take that rest, your body might be craving that rest and, in turn, thrive on another day. The body lets us know what it needs; paying attention to our body’s signals can improve our fitness now and in future times. When our minds and bodies are aligned, we tend to be happier and function more optimally.
We can’t stop the inevitable process of aging. Still, we can control our attitude, decisions, and lifestyle components and celebrate that age truly is just a number when it comes to our fitness!
