Change It Up package
Fitness
Fat? Old? Out of Shape?
Excuse Us, but That’s a Lousy Excuse
By Kim Gillan-Shafon
Whether you are 30 or 80, if you believe you are too old, you are too old. Setting beliefs that limit the ability to change becomes the biggest obstacle to change. As long as you are above ground and breathing you are not too old to get fit.
A late start into fitness still reaps many health benefits. A Journal of American Medical Association study found that starting an exercise program in your 50s may offer many of the same rewards as if you started as a teen.
So, as long as the brain and its limits can be bypassed, it is never too late to start getting in shape. Just look at 78-year-old powerlifter Willie Murphy, who began in fitness at 56 years old. Her whole philosophy for getting in shape was, “Life, life, life!” Fitness helped empower her, make her more independent, and allow her to enjoy her grandchildren to the fullest.
Am I too fat?
Some may think that trendy workouts or fitness offerings are only for those already in good physical shape, but exercise is healthy for everyone of every size. As long as you are able to participate in physical activity, finding your fit is more important than your fat. Finding an activity where you feel comfortable is of the utmost importance when trying to create a habit that will stick. Whether it is walking, aqua jogging, biking, joining a group fitness class, strength training, or going to yoga, finding something that you enjoy is the key to success.
Am I too out of shape?
The biggest misconception about fitness is that you have to be in shape to do it. Everyone was a beginner at some point in their fitness journey and felt nervous and scared of the unknown (or maybe the known).
Whether you are brand new to fitness or just getting back to it after a break, any physical activity will be beneficial to you if you stay consistent and take it slow. Studies show physical activity, such as increasing your daily number of steps, can help you live longer. Though health guidelines suggest a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a day for adults, meet yourself where you are with your fitness. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
Local recreation centers offer opportunities for group and personal training and a wide variety of classes for all fitness levels, from beginner to senior Olympians. When you are ready to be more active make sure that you work with professionals to reduce the possibility of injury. Staying healthy and staying in shape does get harder as we age, but it is possible and it is important. Choose an activity you like, grab a friend, set a goal and get going.
Kim Gillan-Shafon is vice president, marketing and communications for Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood (mandeljcc.org.)
