I found a FANTASTIC dvd collection with Cindy Joseph, a Ford model, along with a lady trainer. While I don’t use the videos at this time (I’ve rejoined my company provided gym), I have been using a “cheat sheet” I made of the routines they have. Being older, the body doesn’t quite respond the same way it did when I was doing the 1 mile laps before track and field. (Ah! Those were the days! It seemed effortless back then!) Now I huff and puff my way to a mile on the treadmill and spend about 15-20 minutes working out with free weights. Being surrounded by the younger set who run for over 30 minutes - and still can carry on a full conversation! - I struggle with 15 minutes at 3.6 mph. But I won’t give up! This is my LAST CHANCE to get in shape! And I’ve been too lazy too long…

Anyway, the dvd set gives a great encouragement and motivation to those of us who have not kept ourselves up all these years. My goal? To take up alpine skiing again! I REFUSE to be the standard grandma who sits around on her porch all day growing flabby arms and fat body!

Hi there,

Though I’m one of the “younger set,” I absolutely applaud your dedication and resolve.  I think you’re in inspiration to all of us younger people: we see that we can still be active in a few decades, and indeed for the rest of our lives.

As a few brief inspirations to you:

- I do karate now.  My sensei is seventy years old, but you’d never know that by looking at him.  He could easily pass for fifty, or perhaps younger. 
- At my other dojo, my sensei was in his fifties and showed no sign of slowing down.  He was definitely able to keep us “younger folk” in check!
- My great-uncle, now in his seventies, goes skiing every single day in the winter.  And we’re living in Canada, so winters are long here.

All this to say: it’s not impossible, and you’re in good company!  Congrats on the new DVD, and I’ll see you on the slopes!

Julie

the over 50 set.....I feel it more each day....

When you say ‘it used to be effortless’ I know EXACTLY what you mean....

I am a little competitive....so I try to try stuff I see at the gym, from, usually the ‘younger set’.....and see if I can keep up (so silly)…

but it does push me.....and helps me get to the next level....

I know I can be in even better shape than I am.....my goal is to be the best shape of ANY time in my life.....

Thank you for the confirmation, Julie! I know that my generation isn’t going to take the “sit down and be quiet” any more from society when we reach our older age. The Oriental people have had the right idea when it comes to physical fitness - don’t stop because you’ve reached a particular age bracket! As for your great-uncle, I want to be right there with him - flying once more down the ski slopes! In fact, next winter, that is what I want to take up again.

And, Tom, I look at all those youngsters on the treadmills next to me and do the same thing. Nothing a little humiliation won’t do to get one inspired to go the extra mile! I think it’s more embarrassing to be at the weights and do my little 40-90 pound workouts when surrounded by bulked up guys pushing 180-210. But who cares? By the end of the workout (which is at the end of the long and tiring day), I get my energy restored and feel so good! (Now if could like eating veggies again, I’d be all set! => )

Thanks for the inspirations! I’ll be printing these out so I can have it handy on the days I’m really not feeling like I’m progressing…