I finally read an article
about physical fitness that talks about seniors of the baby-boomer ilk, and
focuses on more than tight abs and toned thighs. Mary Carmichael wrote an article about how
baby-boomers changed the focus on fitness forever (Newsweek, May 14, 2007), and
even though written two years ago it is perfectly relevant today.
As their “golden years”
approach, seniors are heading back to the gym in record numbers. Having grown older during the years of Jane
Fonda, Suzanne Somers and Richard Simmons they are now overhauling the entire
concept of working out with a whole new approach to exercise. Fortunately, gyms are recognizing the
interest fostered by our generation and are catering to folks in their 40’s,
50’s, 60’s, and beyond. They are getting
away from the hard core exercise equipment and beefing up group activities that
are gentler on the joints (water aerobics) and the psyche (tai chi and yoga). There are new exercise devices like foam
rollers, stability discs and exercise balls that emphasize agility and balance
over aerobics and bench pressing.
Hard as it is, the boomers
have accepted that they aren’t going to stay young forever. The latest workout crazes are centered on
putting health before beautify. Instead
of exercising to look cool, it is more about enjoying life and keeping the pain
factor to a minimum.
The baby-boomers were the
first generation to be really into physical fitness. We were around when President’s Council on
Youth and Fitness measured the fitness of American kids and found us quit
remiss, and set about revamping school physical-education programs. Well it worked. A whole generation of
graduates laced up their jogging shoes and the first major fitness movement
evolved. Jane Fonda exercise videos,
Richard Simmons and his golden oldies, the Bowflex, the Nordic Track,
kickboxing, yoga and Pilates were born.
Now, of course, we are
noticing that the people doing the exercising are finding that while the spirit
is willing, the legs and arms don’t always comply. The muscles are aching and the knees are
blown. At 50 or older we are discovering that we can’t run as fast, leap as far
or lift as much as we used, and we are injuring ourselves all of the time. This is a whole new concept and the pain
factor is driving this latest fitness fad more than anything else.
There is still a way to feel
the burn without feeling pain. Trainers
are cautioning people to start low and go slow while reaching for higher levels
of physical fitness. Hard as it is to
admit, we have to concede that we may not be able to reach the peaks that we
did when we were younger. Boomers have
also changed the type of exercises that they are doing as they focus on balance
and overall strength. Much of the new equipment
looks more like those found in a physical therapist office. Recumbent bikes, tai chi, and the old
standbys like golf, swimming and tennis remain as popular as ever. Personal trainers remain popular as seniors
find that they need help navigating the new workout equipment as well as
welcoming the support and encouragement.
What do you think? Can you admit that you need to revamp your
exercise programs to take your new (older) body into consideration? Your body will thank you and you will remain
active and independent well into your 90’s if you make physical fitness a
priority.
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