| So, you're feeling your age. You think you can't | | | | could achieve last week is always increased and |
| do vigorous exercise because you haven't done it | | | | improved in the next week. When they hit 'a wall,' |
| in years and you'll never get back into shape. It's | | | | and just can't do a routine (or think they can't), |
| a fact. Old people hurt. Their bodies don't work | | | | they push through it... doing more than they |
| like they used to. They need so many | | | | thought they ever could. They have a great deal |
| medications just to feel OK. Pretty soon you'll | | | | of endurance. |
| need a cane, then a walker, and finally a | | | | Maybe you wouldn't classify their movements as |
| wheelchair. It happens to people when they get | | | | 'vigorous exercise,' but I would. Seniors keep |
| old. Those are the myths, not the facts. Well, I'm | | | | moving and keep pushing themselves further |
| here to tell you that you can do vigorous | | | | each week. They use the weights with their |
| exercise even if you are getting on in years. | | | | exercises and include all the props... jump ropes, |
| Fitness bootcamps and personal trainers are | | | | medicine balls, stair steppers, etc. They do sit-ups |
| available for all - even elderly - clients, and about | | | | and push-ups with the best of them. They run |
| 25% of my current boot campers are 'older' | | | | relays and compete for prizes - often winning. |
| citizens. As is the case in South Florida, a lot of | | | | And here's the best part - the perfect |
| the clients personal trainers work with are indeed | | | | attendance. Many of the youngsters miss one, |
| in the elderly population. | | | | two or even three classes per week. But, not my |
| I find that our senior citizens are more conscious | | | | older clients. They are there bright and early, with |
| of their limitations. They always seek my | | | | a smile on their faces. Ready for the pleasure |
| assistance in modifying an exercise to their own | | | | that is exercise and starting their day right. They |
| abilities. There is no exercise they will not attempt. | | | | know they are becoming stronger and healthier |
| But most of all they never stop moving for the | | | | with every class. They are seeking 'quality of life' |
| entire session. Moreover, this is what makes me | | | | in their years, not quantity. So, are you ever too |
| the most proud of my older clients: they always | | | | old for vigorous exercise? The answer is 'never.' |
| seek to push themselves further. What they | | | | And my senior clients prove it to me every day. |