In my fifties, I hung up my tennis racket, along with any other form of impact sports due to disc generation in my lower back. I got into Pilates which helped to strengthen my core and keep my back loose. In my late sixties, my right knee decided to get arthritis, so I stopped paddle boarding, because I could no longer drop to my knees when the speed boats went by. I took up kayaking. I don't run anymore (impact sport) but I feel like I can hike and walk 'til the end of my days, and I love being outdoors. Attitude will get you a long way and adaptation will get you the rest of the way. Health span deserves much more attention than life span. I feel that I have some control over health span based on the choices I make. As for lifespan, well that's above my pay grade. Keep movin, Julia. I'm with you in spirit, cheering you on. Happiest of new years.
Do what you can, where you are. There is always some way to improve your position. There are exercises I can no longer do, so they were replaced.
Flexibility and balance are two of the most important things I have discovered in aging. They are a way of ‘proofing’ you against so many of the bad things that can happen as we age.
Damn! You have strength in your arms, legs, core, glutes, abs, core, shoulders, core.... And I love your ankle mobility! And I need a BOSU ball of my own!
Oh, that's not a bad price. I'll find one. My trainer isn't quite ready to turn me loose at the gym without him - he's not yet totally pleased with my form. But balance work and flexibility are not his strong suit anyway. Those I can run with. Thanks for the info!
You have inspired me. I’ve been injured and suffered debilitating illnesses these past few years. I’m going to go to the gym today. And onwards . I used to be mega fit, but it all had to stop for years. Enough🙏
Francesca, I was in my absolutely tippy top fitness at 64, then had to have multiple surgeries which skewed me sideways. It’s been a minute, and it’s been a journey getting the fitness back. The great gift is that once having had it, the fitness is forever always available to us to invite back.
One of the great greats, Ernestine Sheppard, didn’t pick up a weight until she was sixty. It doesn’ t matter at all. Only that we start. Right, @Penny Nelson?
This is great advice and a good wish for 2025. I've recently started cardio because I've felt like garbage since my injury last year. And I'm going to be starting gentle strength training right after a gluttonous Christmas dinner today lol.
In my fifties, I hung up my tennis racket, along with any other form of impact sports due to disc generation in my lower back. I got into Pilates which helped to strengthen my core and keep my back loose. In my late sixties, my right knee decided to get arthritis, so I stopped paddle boarding, because I could no longer drop to my knees when the speed boats went by. I took up kayaking. I don't run anymore (impact sport) but I feel like I can hike and walk 'til the end of my days, and I love being outdoors. Attitude will get you a long way and adaptation will get you the rest of the way. Health span deserves much more attention than life span. I feel that I have some control over health span based on the choices I make. As for lifespan, well that's above my pay grade. Keep movin, Julia. I'm with you in spirit, cheering you on. Happiest of new years.
Do what you can, where you are. There is always some way to improve your position. There are exercises I can no longer do, so they were replaced.
Flexibility and balance are two of the most important things I have discovered in aging. They are a way of ‘proofing’ you against so many of the bad things that can happen as we age.
Damn! You have strength in your arms, legs, core, glutes, abs, core, shoulders, core.... And I love your ankle mobility! And I need a BOSU ball of my own!
The good ones are about $150. A friend never used hers so I inherited it. I watch movies while doing balance work.
Oh, that's not a bad price. I'll find one. My trainer isn't quite ready to turn me loose at the gym without him - he's not yet totally pleased with my form. But balance work and flexibility are not his strong suit anyway. Those I can run with. Thanks for the info!
Thanks Penny. You would know, given your story!
Amazing, Julia, congratulations on killing it in the contest, wow!!
thanks. Someone beat my pants off in the bench press but nobody did all those pushups. Small victories!
You have inspired me. I’ve been injured and suffered debilitating illnesses these past few years. I’m going to go to the gym today. And onwards . I used to be mega fit, but it all had to stop for years. Enough🙏
Francesca, I was in my absolutely tippy top fitness at 64, then had to have multiple surgeries which skewed me sideways. It’s been a minute, and it’s been a journey getting the fitness back. The great gift is that once having had it, the fitness is forever always available to us to invite back.
Best thing I ever did was start weight training at 59. Go, Julia!!
One of the great greats, Ernestine Sheppard, didn’t pick up a weight until she was sixty. It doesn’ t matter at all. Only that we start. Right, @Penny Nelson?
Exactly! Just start today no matter how old you are!
I have never forgotten your comments from only a few years ago when you were just starting, Penny. Now you're the pro, helping others.
This is great advice and a good wish for 2025. I've recently started cardio because I've felt like garbage since my injury last year. And I'm going to be starting gentle strength training right after a gluttonous Christmas dinner today lol.
Thanks for this Julia!!
Thank you!!! My balance is shocking and I'm gonna get on that ball! ♥️♥️
I used to believe I had zero balance. I was wrong. All it took was practice. I bet that will happen for lots of us!
You got me at those one legged exercises with the weights- I’m still practicing getting my underwear on without holding on to anything…hahaha!