Accepting that your age = problems
By Keith Scott on Jan 30, 2008 in Fitness, Personal Training, Sports Medicine
There is a really bad attitude out there that has people just accepting that with age, comes pain, dysfunction and lack of real progress. I hear it all of the time…things like “At my age, I am just lucky if I maintain some of my strength.” Or “I am not looking to improve much at my age, I just want to keep my strength up so I can live out the rest of my life more comfortably!” Those are real quotes from people I have worked with. Age does not mean that you cannot progress. I work with Eight year old kids all the way up to eighty-six year old trainees. Some of my greatest success stories have been with my “older” clients.
Age is a frame of mind. It really is. You can always improve and always get in better physical condition no matter how old you are. Age certainly can slow down progress, but it does not mean it cannot happen. With a well thought out training program, good nutrition, and proper rest, progress can always be made.
Further, just because you have reached your 40th or 50th birthday does not mean you can expect the rest of your life to be painful in some way. Too many people assume that pain is a birthright and that it is something they must live with. It is not. Pain and dysfunction can be dealt with no matter your age.
Change your attitude. Look around and realize that there are plenty of people older than you that are working hard, with intensity and are in great condition. Why can’t you be one of those people?
Find help. If you have conditions that are “age-related” there are professionals out there that can help you reach new goals and live pain free. Seek out the help of good trainers, strength coaches, or physical therapists.
Find your motivation. I recently trained a 70 year old baseball player. This guy is a pitcher and plays at a high level. He still throws in the high 70’s and can play with people half his age. What keeps him young and in great condition? His mental outlook. He never once used age as an excuse. I trained him as hard, or harder than my high school athletes. Find your motivation and use it to fuel your own fire.
