Staying Fit After 60

If you are thinking about getting in better shape the first and most important thing you should do is CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before doing anything. Just because you have been inspired by something you just saw on television does not mean you should roll off the couch and try to do it. Remember, it took you more than a few days to get out of shape so it will take you more than a few days to get back in shape. Because I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I can not and will not give medical advice, but I will share with you what has worked reasonably well for me as I approach my 61st birthday. The first thing I want to make clear is I am not a fitness freak. I still have an enormous appetite for sweets of all kinds, and I continue to indulge freely. However, I do have a workout program that on average I use 3-7 days a week. That is on average, because there have been times when I did not work out for weeks at a time. But then there have also been times when I worked out every day for a month. It really depends on what I feel like doing. I figure at age 61 I have earned the right to make that decision. I listen very closely to my body, if it does not feel like going out that day I don't and I never feel guilty for not doing so. I am also blessed to not be under any medications, or a doctors care. That does not mean I don't get regular checkups because I do, but each year(with the exception of a little high cholesterol) I am told my lab reports are that of a 40 year old, or younger. Again I am blessed to have not suffered any major injuries, and I have also maintained a consist weight throughout my life. No major gains or losses. I attribute that to regular exercise which has allowed me to eat whatever my stomach will tolerate which as I have gotten older has certainly changed. Let me share with you what has worked for me over the past 61 years.

• Jogging 2-3 miles- 2-3 times a week on average. Walking counts.
• Stationary biking (Indoors on bad weather days) Or when I don't feel like getting dressed for an outdoor workout.
• Strength training-Two 5 pounds barbells. 61 lifts. One lift per year of age
• Resting- I don't work out unless I feel like it. I listen to my body.
• Moderate alcohol use. I don't drink and then punish myself by trying to run it off the next day.
• I have never believed in dieting. Exercise is the key to managing your weight.
• I drink water. Sometimes I find that I am thirsty not hungry.
• Once I gave fruit a chance I started to feel stronger. I learned it was better for me than cupcakes, and candy.
• Stretching is also a good idea. It is my least favorite part of my workout.

These are just a few things that come to mind when reviewing my health and lifestyle. I was fortunate to have been a college athlete and was in shape and active through out my younger years. At this point I don't exercise to look good in the gym or at the nightclubs. How I look is just a by-product of the decisions I have made about my health. I have no desire to look like a 20 year old, so when they run past me during my jog I am not worried about trying to catch them because the shoes I wear may well be older than them.

Here are some recent pictures I will share with you proving with a little effort, it can be done. Again: CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY TRAINING PROGRAM.

The photos in this article were taken of me when I was 59 and 60 years old. I have been blessed with really great genes but I have also done what I could to maintain what God has given me. I am a prostate cancer survivor which also inspires me to stay as healthy as I can. I don't recommend or suggest you do what has worked for me but I do encourage you to find something that works for you and stick with it. Good luck.