Fit Beyond: The Inexorable March of Time, and How to Put It in Its Place

Listen up...whippersnappers.

Time for us grown folks to lay it on the table.

I get it. The modern arena of health and fitness can sometimes look like what the kiddos call "a Young Man's Game." As a Coach specializing in adult populations (and a latecomer to the advent of social media,) I can definitely see where the idea of taking to a workout regimen somewhat later in life might look daunting, discouraging, even intimidating. YouTube, Instagram, and TV commercials all portray the same image, and it's an undeniable image of youth. Trim, muscled physiques and smiling, fresh faces (100% free of the odd wrinkle or wisp of gray hair.) And don't even get me started on TikTok.

And thus, the rest of us - the Fortysomethings, Fiftysomethings, Sixtysomethings, and so on - stand aside with quiet, dignified resignation. After all, the march of time gets the better of everyone; as the years go on, people just naturally slow down. Bodies change, wear out, and inevitably begin a slow, natural decline.

Except NO, THEY F****** DON'T.

Your "Prime" Is When YOU Say It Is

Alright, I'm exaggerating - but only slightly. Many if not most of the degenerative ailments seen in older populations (loss of bone density and mobility, unfavorable weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and so on) commonly associated with "aging" are preventable, and in several cases, reversible, through regular exercise and proper nutrition. There's even evidence to support that physical exercise can reduce the likelihood of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults.

People don't stop moving when they get old. People get old when they stop moving.

But isn't working out at my age dangerous?

Correction: Not working out, at any age, is dangerous.

Older populations who partake in regular, deliberate physical activity enjoy greater mobility, greater survivability (the quality of "bouncing back" from injuries and illness) and happier, healthier, longer, and above all more independent lives than sedentary individuals. Regular aerobic and strength training can manage, delay and prevent the onset of chronic diseases, reduce the chance of having a fall, and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment - and if you really want to stick it to The Man, collecting Social Security for as long as possible is a great way to start.

The time period between 2010 and 2021 saw a 38% increase in the cohort of people aged 65 and older (looking at you, youngsters. Soon you'll be outnumbered.) Yet, as of 2023, only 35% to 44% of seniors above age 75 engaged in intentional exercise beyond the normal activities of daily living.

To put it another way - if you're old enough to earnestly ask yourself the question "Am I too old to work out?"...

You are too old not to work out.

(Note to Millennials: George Burns was a comedian. He lived to age 100.)

Never Compare Your Beginning to Someone Else's Middle

Let's assume that, like the majority of Americans of every age and every demographic, you haven't been taking the best possible care of yourself. Let's assume that the idea of entering a gym and lining up for the elliptical next to fit, trim twentysomethings seems like a daunting prospect, just a bit out of your comfort zone. Again, I get it.

Kame Fitness has a singular philosophy when it comes to late bloomers in the arena of health and fitness:

It's NEVER "too late." You're NEVER "too old."

Those "kiddos" with single-digit body fat were once beginners also. Unfortunate fact of life: in any population, and in any atmosphere, there's always the possibility of meeting with one or two "toxic" elements. But from extensive personal experience, I can tell you that the overwhelming majority of gymgoers and fitness enthusiasts remember where they came from; they're not quick to judge or condemn, and they're happy to help and volunteer advice. And should you happen to come across the occasional ill-mannered Gym Bro (or Bro-ette,) don't hesitate to bring it up to the gym's owner or manager. Veterans of the fitness industry take a very dim view of anyone fostering anything less than a welcoming and supportive environment. Said Bro/ette will very likely be politely asked to modify his attitude (or seek accommodations elsewhere.)

Still too shy? There's also the option of sitting beneath the Learning Tree of a qualified, reputable Health Coach that specializes in adult demographics, many of which are available for in-home training (hint, hint.)

To sum up: It doesn't matter where you start, as long as you get started. It doesn't matter how fast you move, as long as you keep moving. But by any and all means, get moving. Today.

No excuses. I believe in you. Go get 'em...Kid. - Coach K.