By Michele Tenney
Here’s To Your Health
Michele Tenney
Those of you who follow my Facebook page will certainly know who I am referring to when I say “the apple of my eye.” She’s my 98-year-old client who I train three times a week. I have been doing so for over 12 years. I have such a tremendous love and respect for this woman, and I feel privileged and honored to also call her my friend.
Through the years of training, we have stayed the course working on a full head-to-toe workout, focusing on core and balance but also strength training. Due to certain aging ailments I’ve had to adjust her workouts. But her determination, her commitment to consistency of not missing her workouts and her relentless pursuit of living her best life possible has made her a remarkable example for us all.
Though I train people of all ages, from children to 98, the aging population is certainly one to marvel at and motivates me to never stop moving myself. Your joints are like door hinges. If the door remains shut all the time, the hinges begin to rust. But a door that is open and shut often will not rust.
There are many older high-performance athletes out there who are quite impressive too. Sixty-five-year-old Karla Del Grande set a world record in the 400 meter, clocking a time of 68.08. Charles Allie, age 71, set world records by running 57.26 in the 400 meter and 27.75 in the 200 meter.
I realize these people are not considered “average”; however, they certainly are proof that it’s possible. As far as I’m concerned, this needs to start as a child. Running, riding bikes, playing sports, cartwheels in the backyard, climbing trees.
Loss of muscle and loss of strength begin to occur at the onset of aging. We need to be intentional about countering this loss and preserving muscle. In addition to preserving muscle, resistance training not only helps ward off osteoporosis and builds lean muscle mass, which is critical to overall good health. Lean muscle mass also combats obesity, can protect against diabetes, can help you recover from illness and reduces your risk of fractures. There is a misconception is that you have to hit the gym with heavy weights to be successful in building lean muscle. Resistance bands, weight bearing exercises, cardio, eating whole foods, hydration, destressing and sleep are all involved in the building process.
Let’s face it: living through a pandemic has been hard. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you’re struggling in any one or all three of those areas, I’m here to encourage you to start living your best life now. It begins with one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I have walked in your shoes and understand that sometimes just the thought about getting up and moving can be daunting.
Don’t give up. You can do anything you put your mind to do.