Make Running a Family Affair, Great Tips to a Family Shape up!

Well we’re almost closing in on the end of Month #1 and I’m happy to report that I have survived the first 30 days of my foray into the world of running. While the first few runs were challenging, comprised of an energetic start, soon followed by a slow jog, then down to a weary shuffle, I am proud to say I’ve already noticed a substantial improvement in my time, my cardiovascular stamina and my overall endurance.

I think I mentioned last time that my 7 year old son is running with me, but never in a million years did I envision my daughter, who’s almost 10, to really get into it too!  This is a kid who, up to this point, has prided herself on her love of the indoors and mastering the various online games she subscribes to.  When she said she’d run a mile with us one day two weeks ago, I thought it would be recipe for disaster; surely she’d run about a block and we’d see the tears start to flow as she got frustrated and couldn’t keep up, right?  Boy was I wrong!  I dare say she DUSTED US and maintained speed the whole mile.  I was instantly impressed, astounded & proud.

Since that first run as a threesome, both kids have stayed motivated to run with me three days a week and we’re now up to 2 miles a day, training for the 5k we registered for on September 19.  I can’t help but think that had I not found the motivation to start running myself, I may never have realized that this is a natural talent for my daughter and we may have really missed out on something great.  I have already witnessed the self-esteem boost that running has given her, which is invaluable for a ten year old girl.

While we still have roughly four more weeks to ‘train’ before our first road race, my son is thrilled to see that he is the youngest one registered for the race, to date, out of 300 participants.  Of course, he’s also giddy with excitement over the fact that he’ll get an official number pinned to him that morning, so it really doesn’t take much when you’re seven.  Our plan for the next few weeks is to add fractional mileage to our runs and work on our consistent pace.

One of the best things about running with my kids? They do quite a bit of talking during our runs and now that I’m not huffing and puffing my way through the workout, it’s really becoming a nice way to catch up on our day & spend time as a family.  So turn off the TV, step away from the computer, and get running!

The Miami Friday Night Fit Club Featuring P90X

I’m tired, I’m sometimes cranky and I don’t always eat correctly for someone that is trying to get back into shape, to be the finely tuned physical specimen that I once was. OK, that may be pushing a bit, but I’m sure you all know exactly what I mean. Most of us already know what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle and also how much work it will take to get us back on the right track.  Notice I said “get back on the right track” as healthy lifestyle for most of us this will require an ongoing process of many things working together. This is what my cardiologist lovingly refers to as a lifestyle change.

Most of us have the best of intentions when beginning a new diet or workout routine, and go at it like gangbusters for the first week or two and then something happens. It may be that one day that the kids are running late for school, or you had to work late at the office, or your legs are just a bit sore or something that will put you off your game just enough to say, I’ll just work twice as hard tomorrow. Three weeks and 10 pounds later you are wondering what happened yet keep delaying getting back into the flow. We’ve all been there, and have all tried to figure out how the other guy can keep it going while you are struggling.
Well, a group of P90X coaches and clients have figured out a great way to not only keep you on track but bring in others who either don’t know how, or are having trouble keeping it going. The Miami Beach Bodycoaches have created the Friday Night Fit Club.

For those of you who don’t know what P90X is, or have not seen late night TV with the amazing Tony Horton (51+ years old!) putting a varied group of P90X devotees through their paces, it is a set of DVD’s that is designed to work each and every muscle group in your body. It is a system that can be done in your home with relatively little or no equipment and uses a concept known as muscle confusion which by varying the workouts slightly your body will not get used the same routines working the same body parts over and over, thus eliminating what is know as the plateau effect. This combined with a nutritional routine can have some amazing results.

So how does this Friday night Fit club work into the equation? Many of us get bored doing our routines night after night. These routines are tough, and after a while we get weary of our friends calling to go out for the evening and we have not yet done our workouts, which ultimately leads to blowing off one or two routines or even the entire workout, thus pretty much negating all the previous hard work we have put in. The Friday night fit club is as much of a social experience as a workout. Being a P90X’er myself I was getting a bit bored and found myself on that slippery slope of making excuses to blow off a routine. My good friend Jack Hays a Beach Body Coach (the people who bring you P90x) asked me to come to a new program he and some other coaches have put together on Friday Nights, in which they invite those who are active in the Beach Body fitness programs, or just curious, to join in on a group workout at a local venue they rent for the evening. When I showed up there were about 20 people there from all stages of fitness, beginners to those who where ripped and lean. To make a long story short, It was a blast! Not only did I get an incredible cardio workout that night, I got to try some of the products that are available from the Beach Body Fitness team. At no point was I treated like a customer, but as a long lost friend. I made lots of other new friends that night and am looking forward to the next Friday Fit club meeting. Although to the coaches, this is a business as well as a lifestyle, in this great social atmosphere it feels like an event, with raffles and sharing of stories and lots of great information. To this group of coaches, it’s as much community service as it is a business.

If you find yourself in Miami one Friday night and need a great workout the Friday Night Fit club is free, fun and an incredible workout. It will also help keep you off that slippery slope of justifying missed work outs.

Every Journey Begins with a Single Step

It is said that every journey begins with a single step, but never more so than when you’re starting a new fitness regimen.  Specifically, for me, this adage has a literal meaning given the fact I’ve decided to try my hand (or foot, as the case may be) at running.  I know what you’re thinking; you’re imagining that I’m some Skinny Minnie who has decided to merely expand her fitness horizons. NOT the case! I’ve been everything from a size 8 (quite respectable for a girl of 5’10”) to a size that is divisible by 8.  I’m currently in what I would refer to as a state of transformation: transforming my mind, body and spirit in order to live a healthier, happier life.  Am I starting out ready to run my first road race? Not in any way, shape or form.  I am at the very beginning stages and if I’m brutally honest with you, I’ll even share the fact that I can’t run so much as a half mile today without having to downshift to a brisk walk.  In order to show you that I’m an ‘every woman’, perhaps some background is needed here.

 In various points in my life, I’ve been a Weight Watcher, a member of Nutrisystem, a close and not-so-personal friend to Jenny Craig, an Atkins protein fiend and I’ve was even prescribed Meridia to aid in my battle of the bulge.  While they all worked, on some level, the results are obviously not a long term solution to the bigger problem.  What IS the ‘bigger problem’? I didn’t have a steady support plan in place to help me to maintain my goals once they were reached.  This is where I think running really comes in to play.

 Why choose running? Well, that’s a great question since I admit my knees are not the best and my cardiovascular endurance isn’t exactly stellar right now… running is something that doesn’t cost any money (important for a single mom), you can do it virtually anywhere, and the health benefits far outweigh the possibility of knee injury, in my mind at least.  Let’s face it: I’m not looking to have the best form, and anyone that has seen me running the indoor track at my gym lately would agree that I may not score high points for grace & form, but for now, shuffling along as I build up some endurance already has me feeling loads better. 

 Prior to starting my little foray into the world of running, I had a hard time getting to sleep, an even harder time getting up in the morning, and a general lack of energy.  Making some adjustments to my diet (I currently love the Fat Shredder diet through Beachbody’s P90x) so I can lose weight while exercising more, I’m already feeling a big difference in my mood, attitude and energy levels.  My thought is this: I’m currently only able to ‘run’ (I use the term loosely) a 15 min mile.  If I stick with this, my time and stamina can only improve.  Once I see improvement, chances are good that I’m not going to quit. 

 Don’t think you can do it alone? Grab a buddy.  My buddy happens to be my 7 yr old son who motivates me in ways perhaps my peers would not.  I’ll be darned if I’m going to let my kids see me quit!  Would I slow down and cop out on a friend running with me? Yes, sadly, the odds are much greater.  If my little squirt is determined to run his first road race with me, I know I can’t let him down.  He has stuck right by my side during our first few 1 mile runs and I hope to keep you posted on how we progress in the coming weeks. If those little legs can do it, so can I!

How to Stay Safe When Exercising

The word ‘exercise’ invokes various thoughts from everyone, but usually those of health and wellness. Did you know that exercising can be dangerous? In some cases it can be due to an existing medical problem, or danger can be found in the way you are exercising, perhaps with little to no official training or instruction. Whether you run in your neighborhood on your own, work out in a gym, or hike and bike, here are a few simple tips to keeping you safe and your body injury-free:
Check with your doctor before starting any diet/exercise regimen. We’ve all heard this, but how many of us have actually done it? If you are not in regular contact with your doctor or can’t even remember when your last physical was, it’s time to get one! You should have blood drawn at your physical which can monitor your cholesterol, your thyroid, blood cell count, etc. Even if you haven’t had this done in the past, it’s important to have a benchmark to compare to later. Take the time to visit your doctor; it’s worth it!
No matter what exercise you participate in, always stretch before starting. Even better, take a few moments before you even get out of bed in the morning to stretch! Not just the ‘Folgers commercial arms over the head stretch’, but take a few minutes to pull your legs up to your chest, stretch your back out, do a few neck rolls, and touch your toes a few times once you are out of bed. It’s amazing how stiff you can feel from sleeping in the same position all night; sometimes when you get the best nights’ sleep, you’ll find your muscles are tight the next morning. Starting your day off right, feeling good, is a best practice whether you exercise or not!

If you work out at a gym and opt to use the weight machines, DO make an appointment with one of the trainers to go through each machine with you. Many times there are plenty of people on staff where an appointment may not be necessary, but someone can go around with you and show you the different settings you may not even be aware of. Something as ‘small’ as not adjusting the seat to your own height will completely change how the exercise is done, most likely causing you frustration and possible injury. Also, a trainer can give you an idea of how heavy to start off, or ‘where you should be’; more weight does NOT always yield better results and will only cause you to be sore and more likely to quit! Up your reps before you increase the weight you’re lifting and be sure to see a gym staffer with any questions.
Running is great and provides an excellent outlet after a rough day at work, while allowing you to be ‘out and about’ your local area. Again, the biggest thing is to stretch a good 10 minutes prior to your run, and make sure you have properly fitting running shoes on. Running doesn’t just require ‘sneakers’; there are too many to choose from and if you think it will be no different to run in tennis shoes or walking shoes, think again. They are not meant for running; you need a strong, yet flexible sole with an appropriate amount of cushion and shock absorption. Be sure when you shop for sneakers, you tell the salesperson you are specifically looking for running shoes since some are even styled to have the look but not the benefits.
If you choose to enjoy the outdoors, whether running or hiking in the woods, wear reflective, light colored clothing. Out on the road, you want to be seen, and if you’re in the woods, the last thing you want is to be mistaken for a deer on a beautiful fall day. Even an orange bandana or the like will help. Running wooded trails makes for a nice relaxing activity, but I can absolutely say from my own experience, watch out for any roots exposed on the trail! This goes for hiking too; many a hiker has slipped on a wet root on the decline only to find themselves immediately knocked to the ground before they knew what hit them. Don’t let this be you; the potential to fall and hit a rock, or twist an ankle is too great. Take it slow on the decline, no matter what the weather, and keep it at a steady pace going up, with rest stops along the way.

Lastly, I can’t stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of water while exercising; your body is being depleted of important electrolytes and is losing water like crazy! Hydrate those cells by keeping a water bottle on hand and drink plenty of water once you’re home as well.
Taking the time to give a few simple considerations some thought before exercising will keep you safe, injury-free and motivated when you see the results of all your hard work!

Get Fit With a Spinning Class Now!

It Left My Head Spinning
I can’t recall the exact thought that was going through my head the morning I decided to get up and head to my gym for an exercise spinning class I’d never taken before; maybe I was feeling adventurous and must have thought that exploring unknown territory sounded good to me on this particular day. When I get down to brass tacks, I suppose it’s not even the ‘why’ behind the whole thing that is important; the fact that I had heard so many of my friends and co-workers talk about what a great ‘spinning class’ they had and how rejuvenated they felt afterward, perhaps made me want to be one of the cool kids too. There were a few things going into a spinning class that I knew for sure; it was a given that I’d be on a bike. That was cool. I’m fine with that; been riding them since I was 4. I knew it was instructor-led, obviously, which is one of the things that attracted me to the class; there was no way I’d abandon ship after just 10 minutes or so like I tend to do when I’m sitting in the gym on a recumbent bike pedaling and pedaling, but going nowhere fast. In a nutshell, I think I expected it to be motivational biking; someone to distract me from the fact that I am doing a very repetitive motion but never actually going anywhere. Boy was I to be proven wrong!

First of all, for those considering starting a spinning class, or those not familiar, you ARE in fact, on a stationary bike and there is a motivational instructor to lead the class through a series of exercises that work the major muscle groups and muscles you probably didn’t know you had as well. Even if you have bad knees and think biking will be tough on them, there are ways you can adjust the bike, seat and resistance (ask your instructor for help prior to class time) where any affects should be minimal, if at all. The spinning classes are generally accompanied by some real loud, fast music, so if you’re not a lover of some heavier rock or even some metal, there may be a ‘slower’ class that incorporates music more your speed, as well as slower motions. There’s a lot of standing up, sitting down, hovering over your seat and altering your resistance levels, so be prepared to move around much more than you may first think.
So in I walk, already breathless from running from parking lot to gym, up the stairs to the spinning class room, thinking I was late. I purposely chose a bike against the back wall so no one had to face the possibility of watching me fall off the bike or suffer some unfortunate accident; let’s face it; if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen to me. It’s 9:15am and Metallica is blaring from the speakers in the darkened room (why they typically keep it dark in spinning classes, I’ll never know since the experience is anything but soothing…) Now I’m on my bike, behind an attractive woman in her 60’s (maybe even 70’s but she was so fit it’s hard to say), thinking I can probably keep up with her and she looks like she knows what she’s doing. She helps me adjust my bike height and then says “you think you’re ready for this?” and gives me a wink. Oh no, I’m thinking this can’t be good.
The instructor came in shortly thereafter, with the happy, springing jog of a high school cheerleader, clapping her hands and asking us if we’re ready to Psycho Cycle. Psycho Cycle? (whimper…) guess I didn’t read the NAME of the class… just that it was a spinning class. Darn. There’s no turning back now. All the bikes are full and we’re told to start pedaling for warm-ups. Let me just say here and now that the ‘warm-up’ was what I would have felt comfortable pedaling the whole time, and I have very muscular legs. Soon, the music transitions to a techno beat and we’re pedaling our hearts out, told to increase the resistance. Then we’re pedaling while standing up for 6 turns around, then down for 6 turns around, then up and down every 3rd rotation, then before I know it, it’s up a rotation, down a rotation and had I not been the one doing the work, I would have thought I was on some crazy amusement park ride. Next came ‘hovering’, being back far enough so your bottom is hovering just over the seat of the bike; the more you lean back, the more you feel it. This was described as one of the more difficult spinning class exercises, but I actually found it quite easy; guess all that work on the quad machines and strengthening my hamstrings has served me well.

Now for the ‘psycho’ part… (thank goodness it was optional) we had to pedal like mad for 3 minutes on a high resistance, then jump off our bikes, sprint a lap around the indoor track (which is just outside the doorway), stop in the hallway and do 10 jumping jacks followed by 10 squat thrusts, then 3 more minutes back on the back, run, jump, squat, ride… you get the idea. Yeah, whoever names the spinning classes knew what they were doing with that one! I tried the full regimen once and barely made it back to my bike. Oh yeah, and I almost forgot to mention, the 70ish woman in front of me? Barely breaking a sweat and doing the whole thing like an Olympian in full makeup.
I have to say, the one hour really DID fly by, the instructor kept things interesting, the music was really great and although I got an intense work out, I will definitely go back again for another ‘psycho’ Spinning class adventure.

** For those of you that are experts on spinning, please feel free to comment about other important  facts such as equipment, etc, in order to help those of us who are just thinking about starting spinning.

5 ways to get a cardio workout during your day

Ever have one of ‘those days’, where it’s not enough that you had a chaotic morning at home, heavy demands at work, you spilled coffee on your shirt, then you found out your bank account somehow got overdrawn? Sure, we all have, but did you know that its days like this where fitting some cardio activity into your day can be particularly beneficial? While a day like this may make you FEEL like you’ve already run a marathon by lunchtime, take a step back and make an effort to work off some pent-up steam.
Whenever presented with the choice, no matter where you are, opt to take the stairs! If stairs aren’t ‘your thing’ and you find yourself becoming winded, take your time but keep going at a steady pace. Over time, this will become a much easier task, give your quads a great workout, get your heartbeat right into your target zone, and you may even see the added benefit of some lift in your derriere. When I first started taking the stairs in lieu of the elevator at work, I’ll admit it wasn’t easy but within just a few short weeks, I could engage in a normal conversation going up multiple flights, didn’t have to rest on a landing any longer, and even found myself taking it to the next level and taking two steps at a time as I jogged up to my office. As with any other exercise, it’s all about conditioning; the more you do it, the easier it will get.

Another way to sneak in a bit of additional cardio time in your day is to resist the urge to pull into a ‘prime’ parking spot at the mall or your local supermarket. As a culture, it seems we are conditioned to seek out the best place to park our cars, allowing it to become a game that I’ve even seen turn into road rage as two drivers battle it out for the same spot! Whether you have the newest sports sedan (seems those are the only ones that prefer to park out in ‘no man’s land’ where their car is less apt to be damaged) or a 20 yr old beater, go ahead and park out in a spot that is furthest away from the entrance. You will rack up some additional steps on the pedometer for the day (you ARE wearing a pedometer, aren’t you??) and if you run your errands ‘briskly’, you’ll get your heart pumping in no time.
Use your lunchtime to take a walk, even if just around your office building or the surrounding area outside. Keep a pair of extra sneakers at your workplace to make it easier and have no excuses for not taking your daily walk; it will get your heart pumping, burn some calories from all those office treats that are always being dangled in front of you (that you are hopefully politely declining on a majority of the occasions) but an afternoon mid-day walk allows you to clear your head and return to your job feeling refreshed with a lower stress level. Try it once and you’ll see exactly what I mean; it’s amazing the benefits you feel from taking just a 15-30 min ‘timeout’ to do something good for yourself.

Take your dog for a walk! There isn’t a dog on the planet that ever gets sick of being walked and the benefits to you are obvious. What’s better than bonding with Man’s Best Friend while getting some exercise for both of you?
Join an exercise class, whether it is a formal class at your local gym, or a runner’s club, a biking group… anything that will help keep you accountable for getting some cardiovascular exercise in your day. Working out with others is motivating and keeps you honest, providing opportunities to make new friends that may be in the same boat you are. It’s good to hear someone else say the dog threw up as they were headed out the door on the way to work and they spilled coffee on their shirt before they even arrived at the office.

Why you should be Training with Kettlebells

Training with Kettlebells

Kettlebells are special weights used to build strength and endurance and were used especially by the Russian military and Special Forces as they were felt to be one of the most effective pieces of strength training equipment available. Kettlebell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, agility and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, total-body movements.  In my opinion, nothing develops muscular strength and endurance for bodies as well as kettlebells.

Those that have made training with kettlebells a major part of their fitness program are among a quickly increasing percentage of athletes and fitness devotees who feel this type of training increases not only strength and agility but aids in strengthening  their core as well. The results being displayed by those training with kettlebells cannot be overlooked.  When used properly, they can be excellent substitutions for more intense weight training.  As the number of people training with kettlebells grows, more are making the switch or are at least taking some form of kettlebell class given at fitness centers.

Unlike barbells and dumbbells, they look more like a cannonball with a thick handle attached at the top.  Traditional designs are made out of a solid ball of cast iron.  Kettlebells come in many different sizes and weights. 

Training with kettlebells can be suitable for those of all age groups and fitness levels, modifying the movements and amount of weight used.   If you are a woman, don’t let the sight of this valuable apparatus intimidate you; kettlebell training is NOT just for the boys!  In fact, when comparing groups of women who consistently work out doing numerous reps of light dumbbells versus those that choose fewer reps with a heavier kettlebell, the results were quite different.  The dumbbells tend to isolate the main muscle group you are working, whether it is your deltoids or your biceps, with some toning also apparent in the back/shoulder area.  When you choose to utilize kettlebells, the movements are such that they strengthen your core, as well as the arms, shoulders and hips, providing a leaner overall look. 

Kettlebell training is known for producing fast results, preparing your body to metabolize fat better than it ever has before.  If you can turn just one pound of fat into one pound of muscle, you will burn 10 more calories while at rest.  This may not sound like a lot, but imagine what that means when you are actually in motion and working out! As you turn more fat into more muscle, you will see more satisfactory results in the way your body burns calories and gives you a more desirable physique.

 

 

The Real Benefits of Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts

You either love it or you hate it. Chances are if you value your life, you hate it. And if you are a dare devil, you love it. Either way, there are the good and the bad of mixed martial arts. If you hate it, it is quite possible that after I let you in on the benefits you’ll change your mind. Mixed martial arts are a great way to stay in shape, get your body to look and feel better, and defend yourself.

There are an assortment of ways to stay in shape, however with the fluctuating degrees of intensity mixed martial arts may push you further than you thought possible. Mixed martial arts are not designed to improve performance in isolated movements but in athletic, therefore conditioning such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts are imperative. Through this sport you will perform exercises that force you to balance the body, develop strength and hold the core stable.

Getting your body to appear better is one of the most sought after goals by society; still people do not know that in order to complete the package your body has to feel better too. Mixed martial arts are one of the sports where you will see a change in a short period of time, inside and out. Without a doubt the training in Mixed martial arts and performance causes you to grow tougher mentally and physically. Increased self-confidence, self-defense, improved self-knowledge and moral development are just a few psychological benefits linked with mixed martial arts.

Even with all the benefits that mixed martial arts come with, most people go into the sport seeking self-defense. Little do they know, they are going to come out with a lot more than defense skills. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the methods that instruct you to have power over your opponent, and then surrender them using joint locks and choke holds. Whether you need to physically defend yourself or a loved one, mixed martial arts will supply you with the mental and physical aptitude you need to do the job.

From staying in shape, getting your body to look and feel better, to self-defense mixed martial arts has it all. It is most definitely a thrilling and adventurous way to get into shape, so if a challenge is what your seeking look no further. Go out and join a gym that offers mixed martial arts and try it out, not only see but feel the benefits everyone is raving about.

How to prevent 4 common injury set backs

How to prevent 4 common injury set backs.

As we get older, our tendons and ligaments grow weaker making it harder to stay physically active. If you are prone to injury there are certain precautions you must take in order to prevent training injuries and a set back in your work out schedule. Shin splints, knee injuries, blisters and lower back pains are among the most frequent injuries. If you have already experienced an injury in a joint or muscle remember to rest, ice, compress and elevate. Otherwise, here are a few tips that will minimize training injuries or keep you injury free and in the gym.

Depending on how terrible the case may be shin splints, one of the more common training injuries, may be reduced with certain measures. Strengthening the front of your lower leg, with your heel on the ground, attempt lifting the side of a weight plate with your toes, this should prevent shin splints. You may also try this walking around on your heels followed by stretching your calves. A sign of mild shin splints may mean you need to cut back on your running, or that your shoes are worn out and you need to run to the mall and get a new pair. If your shin splints are so bad you can’t run it’s probably best you see a doctor.

Knee injuries often occur in people involved in sports. Unsuitable contact forces upon the knee may cause injuries to the knee through poor lower body posture. You may have to check your posture for this one. There are a few ways to prevent knee injuries; it goes as far back as before exercising. It is suggested to warm up by walking, bicycling or some form of low-impact activity. To alleviate pressure on your knees, stretch your quadriceps and hamstrings. Once again, make sure that your shoes are in good condition and fit properly and you may be able to avoid this type of training injuries.

Blisters may seem like an insignificant set back, however they have been acknowledged to keep people out of the gym. A day away, is a day lost. Blisters are generally caused by friction to the skin. Often found on the heels, soles of the feet, and palms of the hands the top layer of the skin separates from the second layer resulting in a little bubble. To prevent pain, infection, or blisters all together ensure that the shoes, socks and athletic equipment you are using is all fit to your body structure. If you have a blister-prone area, try taping it with duct tape, and make sure the area is as dry as possible at all times.

A rounded back not only has its disadvantage of giving you lower back pains but it also makes you appear as a hunchback. If you do not see that arch feature that makes your butt stick out, chances are your lower back is rounding during exercises. When exercising, your lower back should never be rounded. I repeat should never be rounded to avoid training injuries. Keeping an arch avoids stressing the discs in your spine allowing it to function properly. As long as the shape of your spine looks like a thin ‘S’ shape, you’re in the clear.

You can avoid training injuries to the body by understanding what causes them, taking precautions, and focusing on prevention. From a scrape when you were five years old to a knee injury in your 30’s, treatment is always necessary. If you do not treat an injury properly it may put you out of physical activity on a permanent basis.

Fading Glory? Or Aging Gracefully?

 

Fading Glory? Or Aging Gracefully?

Today’s essay is a bit different from anything I have written before. Everything I write in this article has been kicking around the inside of my brain for weeks, months, dare I say a few years, and it’s not getting any better. It is now that I look to you, my faithful blog followers, to please consider the following, feeling free to share similar experiences you may be going through as well.

While it seems strange to write, and even more surreal to hear spoken out loud, I am in my late 40’s, and nearing 50. Yes, 50 years old. Not 50 dollars, not 50 pounds, but I have spent nearly half a century on this Earth. While the number itself does not bother me, as it does some, the transformations my body is going through is quite bothersome both mentally and physically. From an early age, I was always very athletic, playing baseball and football on a both a collegiate and professional level, while taking pride in the shape I was in and the strength, stamina and speed I had. So far this sounds not so unusual, I know; we’ve all had our ‘hey day’ where we were at the top of our game and in the best shape of our lives. While many find that entering into middle age is the best time of their lives; a time to rejuvenate, focus on health and fitness in hopes of extending life expectancy, I find myself in a different category at the present time (but with any luck, you will see a post a few months from now where there has been progress and transformation taking place).

After having suffered various athletic injuries and had a near-death car accident or two, I have now come this far to find myself lacking energy, struggling with chest pains (yes, they’ve been checked out and I was told it was stress) , stomach & digestive maladies, constantly tight, aching muscles, routine headaches…. I think you get the picture. What I don’t ‘get’ is how I got this way. I am someone who, just a decade or so ago was out to conquer the world… I was braving wild rapids, trekking across the globe to make it to Everest, spending much of my time as a dive master off the beautiful coral reefs in the state I call home. I love the water; being out on the open sea with the warm salt water spray leaving a trail behind me as I head to my favorite fishing grounds. I am at total peace in the water. When I’m diving, the problems of the world are left on the surface, with nothing but captivating creatures and awe-inspiring formations in an underwater world where time ceases to exist (well, okay… Keep an eye on the O2 left in the tank, for sure, but you know what I mean).

Now that I am dealing with all these injuries and age-related consequences, I find myself depressed. Depressed that I have weight to lose and it’s hard to come off at this age; particularly when I have the legs of a 20 year old but carry all my weight in my stomach. I’m now very hesitant (I sometimes even use the word ‘scared’) to dive and do what I love most, for fear I could have a heart attack. I can’t walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded!

I know all you fitness buffs out there will say “cut back on your portions, what are you eating, are you drinking lots of water, are you exercising….?” The answer to all of these questions is a resounding “yes!” which is what makes this all so frustrating. I like to walk; I load a book on tape onto the iPod and take walks along my favorite bays or a bike through the Everglades. I bought a Wii Fit, a Wii Active; a recumbent bike for the road that I thought would put the least amount of stress on my injured neck/shoulder. I’ve joined gyms; standard gyms, gyms that offer spinning classes, boxing gyms. I love to turkey hunt and scout the woods prior to opening season, but now even that is something I won’t do alone, for fear I could experience problems in the woods.

My question to everyone out there, and please DO reply to this post, is this: What have you done, or do you currently do to either deal with ‘old sports injuries’ / ‘old age’, or to KEEP yourself healthy and strong as you advance in years? Do you know of anyone that has been an inspiration to you, who has helped you along the way? Please tell us your story, so we can ALL continue to be ‘out there’ doing what we love to do most… Spending time in the Great Outdoors and having a high quality of life.

 

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