“Training is hard. Not training is harder.”—Unknown
The above meme is for all of us. I believe this to be so the older I get.
I see many people who look much older than their age—and as many who look much younger. Too many of us complain of aches and pains that we blame on aging. Such people expect this as a part of aging. I disagree. Train. Train hard. Slow the aging process.
Don’t fall into the misconception that exercise changes as we age. We will undoubtedly slow a bit as we age. We will slow more, however, if we fail to do anything—or do the wrong thing. “I am too old to…” is a poor excuse. Inactivity will undoubtedly slow you down.
Don’t think that simply “moving more” is enough. Physical activity—e.g., walking more, taking stairs, etc.—is great. Keep moving. Consider, also, what you are doing (or not doing) for exercise. Cardio is important (for the heart, in particular), but it is not enough. Diet, alone, is not enough. Maintain healthy eating habits, of course. Lose body fat—if necessary. Most importantly, maintain (or, ideally, gain) muscle mass to preserve work capacity. A healthy heart, after all, has to have a reason to pump and something to which to pump.
Training should be hard. The time remaining in the day will be less hard. Not training makes the rest of the day harder. It is our choice.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!