The other day I was chatting with a woman about all things "women"! Fairly often people will ask me what I think about certain workout programs, diets, exercise equipment, ya know...stuff you might ask a personal trainer. Just as often, I end up in conversations with ladies in their 40s and 50s trying to figure out who hijacked the body they used to have at least a little control over. Don't worry if don't know what I'm talking about. Consider yourself lucky! :)
There is some kind of sisterhood, tho, when we compare slowed metabolisms, back fat, and unexplained weight gain :) It's comforting to know there are others who have looked in the mirror and asked "Who's body is this?"!! I have been in the fitness business for 29 years, so I know what to do, BUT! all of a sudden my fat cells were not listening to my commands. I surely didn't want to give up eating and/or begin working 2-3 hours a day just to fit in my clothes.
Back on track...I have been mulling something over that she said another trainer had said. Apparently, women her age (48) should not be doing workouts like P90X or Insanity :/ I guess it's not good for their aging bodies :) Honestly, I have never heard someone say that before. I'm guessing the trainer was a young guy and who looks at women my age (52) and thinks "grandma" :) Or "Chair Aerobics" :) Or cute pink 1/2 lb weights :) I hope I don't sound angry, I'm not, I'm probably more perplexed than anything. And, of course, since I've never claimed to know everything, (no.really.) I'm always open to learning something new. But is it accurate? Should I be hanging up my fitness shoes? Hmmm...
Now, there are some popular workouts that I believe may be better suited for people who are already somewhat fit; definitely not geared towards brand new exercisers, but that's not an age thing-it's a fitness level thing. And as always, safety needs to be a priority to avoid injury; or to avoid aggravate existing injuries. But, everyone should be able to progress and move beyond that starter fitness level. Just be smart-modify whenever necessary.
One concern I have with doing these intense workouts in group settings is that it might cause people to feel intimidated and take risks, rather than back off a bit. If you read my previous post, you know I confessed to being lazy the first couple months of this summer-why is that so easy to do?? At the beginning of August I signed up for a month of bootcamp sessions just for fun. (?) Plus to get myself back in shape. The first session I didn't want to draw attention to myself so I lifted a barbell that, for me, was too heavy, but I also knew that if I hurt my back, not only might I not be able to train my clients, but I would be back to doing nothing :( So, I asked the trainer to give me lighter weight. I'd rather "hurt" my pride than my back.
All that being said, back to my original point. Is there an age where we are to old to challenge ourselves? I guess I will know it when I get there!! Til then I will "baby" my "old lady" thumbs with their arthritis and tendinitis :) and do my walking planks without the dumbbells. If it turns out there really is a time that I'm too old to do what I do, then at least I'm going down fighting! Kickboxing!! HaHa!
