Another New Year has started, and with it comes one indisputable fact; You, and I, are getting older.
But ask yourself this question.
Do I want to merely get older, or do I want to grow older?
There is an enormous difference.
As long as you are above ground you are going to get older. But growing older is an entirely different animal.
There are a few things I want to grow in as I get older.
Kindness. Wisdom. Grace. Understanding. Compassion.
In the physical realm I want to keep growing as well. It's a well known fact that even older adults can increase their muscle mass and mobility. I want to stay as strong as I can for as long as I can. My training goals in the last 10 years have definitely changed. Sure I still want to look good in the mirror, but it's become more than that. I look around and see people my age (53 - not all that old, unless you are teenager) losing physical abilities and capabilities. And I am not talking about feats of endurance or strength. Losing their ability to stand up straight, or get up and down off the floor, or walk a few flights of stairs. In their fifties!
That's why my goal is to keep my legs strong and my hips mobile for as long as I can. Don't lose your legs! It's why keeping my shoulders intact and my knees healthy is so important.
Here's the rub; As you age you need to work harder at these things than you used to. CONSISTENT strength training and mobility work. Good nutrition and sensible supplementation. You can't stop any of those things, even when it's uncomfortable, you don't feel like it, and it hurts.
The alternative is to just passively atrophy, lose strength and mass, get weaker, and lose basic abilities. Doesn't sound like fun to me.
It's your choice. Get. Or Grow.
Choose Wisely,
Coach Dean