By Jason Greenspan
The world of fitness is cluttered with myths and fads. Myths and fads typically spread because the media tries to sell fitness programs, equipment and nutrition supplements to consumers who want a quick fix to accomplish a specific goal. After all, both are billion-dollar industries. Unfortunately in the world of health, fitness and nutrition there is usually no such thing as a quick fix. You have to work smart and hard to see results. The nice thing about exercise when you’re over 50 is the truth is in the research. So don’t believe your next door neighbor when he says “you’re too old to exercise,” or “what do you expect to accomplish now?” Stay away from negativity and do the research yourself.
Myth: I’m too old to begin a strength training program.
Reality: The most important time to strength-train is as one ages. Muscle tissue is really our fountain of youth. Research indicates that you can build muscle and strength at any age as long as you’re consistent and the challenge is sufficient. After the sixth decade the loss of muscle tissue accelerates. When you lose muscle tissue, that’s when you really start to age, as basic tasks begin to be more difficult than they used to be.
Myth: I’m expected to have more aches and pains and do things more slowly because I’m older now.
Reality: Yes, it’s true that you’re more prone to aches and pains as you age due to many different factors, including age-related conditions like arthritis and other degenerative conditions. But the reality is the aches and pains could be limited if you participated in a regular fitness program. Most of the time the aches and pains come from inactivity, where muscles become weak and tight — not solely because you’re getting older.
Myth: I’m older now. I’m not expected to do things quickly.
Reality: Moving slowly to get up from a chair and walking slowly are due to loss of muscle tissue and not practicing doing activities at a faster pace — not so much because of the aging process itself. This is confirmed as you see plenty of people over the age of seventy that still walk, jog, run and stand up from a chair very quickly. The tip is to get on a regular strength-training program and practice working on POWER, which is the ability to do things quickly.
Myth: Lifting heavy weights will cause women to bulk up.
Reality: Women don’t produce enough testosterone, the hormone that is responsible for muscle growth. Lifting heavy weights sometimes gets the blame because if you haven’t yet shed the extra body fat, it can give you the illusion that you’re getting larger. Muscle tissue is an important factor in losing fat; it helps to increase strength and prevents aches and pains as you age. Go ahead and get on a regular exercise program and challenge yourself within your capabilities.
Myth: Exercise doesn’t work for me.
Reality: There are a variety of reasons why someone might feel like their exercise program isn’t working.
The main reason why people tend to feel that their program isn’t working is because they do the same routine all the time. If you never change your exercises, sets, weights or intensity when doing strength training or cardiovascular exercise, you’re muscular and cardiovascular systems adapt, which don’t allow you to see results. Also, you’ll get bored from the same old routine, which eventually leads to burn out and can also cause injury.
Silver Stars Fitness is a private fitness studio dedicated to working with the 50-plus population. The highest quality of instruction is provided in a comfortable studio setting. We offer small (3-6 people classes) such as Total Body Strength, Balance & Fall Prevention, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Fitness For Tennis Players, in addition to Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates, Massage Therapy and Tai Chi. In-home services are also available for the person who might not be able to come to the studio or just likes the convenience of training at home.
To find out more about how to slow the aging process down through exercise, sign up for Silver Stars programs or to set up a free consultation. Contact the below phone number, email and website.
Silver Stars Fitness
850 7th Ave (West 54/55th)
Phone: 646-573-9724
info@silverstarsfit.com
www.silverstarsfit.com
Jason Greenspan is the owner of Silver Stars Fitness. He has over 20 years experience working with the baby boomer and beyond fitness enthusiast. Jason is certified as a 50-plus fitness specialist by the American Council On Exercise and The National Academy Of Sports Medicine. He is also the published author of the award winning book “Fitness For Real Life: The 8 Keys To A Strong, Powerful & Youthful Body”.
