Gold or Rust:  The Enigma of Senior Fitness

The Kettlebell Is An Effective Tool In The Rehabilitation Of Injuries

More and more Americans are living longer, but not necessarily better, lives.

"In 2003, The Centers for Disease Control announced that obesity will soon replace tobacco use as America’s number one life-style related health problem." (1)

Though childhood obesity is hitting unprecedented levels in the USA, it is the "senior" population we’re discussing here. Keeping in mind, those obese kids will probably be at risk for a lot of health problems later in life.

"According to 'Aging America:  Trends and Projections' (U.S. Senate, 1988), from the year 2005 to 2025 the aging of the baby boomers will create the fastest rate of growth in the American older population. The 65 to 79 age group will grow 10 times faster during this era than it has for the past 15 years." (2)

Granted, living in Florida gives me an excellent vantage point to observe the senior population as they live out their "Golden Years".I will gladly acknowledge that some are in top physical condition and are enjoying active, rewarding lifestyles. This, however, is not the norm.

Why is that? What makes some 50+ people strive to maintain their independence, while others "rust" away on a sedentary scrap heap?

Some say they’ve "earned the right to be lazy" or that they're retired. Retired from what? Life?

Some blame all the conveniences of American life, but this is not entirely true. The attitude of not taking responsibility for our lives is more accurate. Some seem to think that others "caused" their problem, so it’s the other person's fault, and they should fix it for them. For example, the people who decided to sue the fast food chain for making them fat.

The "quick-fix" mentality is also wreaking havoc among this age group. After all, with lipo-suction, cosmetic surgery, hair replacement, and miracle diets who needs good nutrition and exercise?

I do, for one, if I want to live a high-quality life and not just suck down my share of the oxygen until I die.

A big part of having that high-quality life is my mind-set, this is more than just attitude. It is how I view the process of aging. I am 54 years old now, and I train 5 to 6 days a week. I feel great, and I have plenty of energy.

When I turned 50, I received a packet of information in the mail that told me I was now a "senior citizen". I wasn’t going to buy that lie.

I wasn’t going to start thinking, "Well now that I’m fifty I should slow down, after all; I’m getting old." You see, that is where a lot of guys start to lose it (and gals, too). Do you think that Jack LaLanne or Clarence Bass buy that lie? If you don’t know who these guys are, go check out their websites.

While we're talking about mind-set, let me mention prescription drugs. If you are obese and take blood pressure medicine, why not lose weight, and then maybe you could lower your blood pressure.

If you have a trustworthy physician (not one who automatically writes you a prescription every time he sees you) ask him about other ways to handle your condition. He may have some good alternatives for you, but you have to listen to him and do your part. After all, he is not going to die from your condition; but you might.

Listen to what Dr. Kristann Heinz, RKC, has to say, “As people lose weight through proper nutrition and exercise, they see an impact on their blood pressure, blood glucose or cholesterol levels. This in turn safely allows people to reduce or discontinue medications that they may take. I feel the kettle bell exercise program will be an incredible addition to my vision of total health.” (3)

If you are bold enough, smart enough, or just fed up enough to seriously want to improve your health, then, do your homework, Choose the right program for you based on reliable information from credible sources.

Keep in mind that free advice from unqualified people is readily available. It is worth exactly what you paid for it, nothing.

Some of the least reliable sources of information are TV, newspapers, friends, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors (unless you live next door to a Kettlebell.com staff member, of course).

For instance, socializing with your buddies on the treadmills at the local gym might be fun, but is it really improving your health?

Dr. Al Sears offers these insights, “Those people who endure extended cardio workouts unwittingly produce unwanted changes in their bodies such as loss of muscle, bone density, and internal organ weight. In addition, they often wind up with overuse injuries.” (4)

Let’s briefly talk about genetics and your health. Yes, they are a factor and you may not get  fit as fast as the next guy. Maybe everyone else in your family is fat, so what? What are you going to about your health?

Just remember that the clock is running. You can choose to go for the gold or by default go for the rust. There is no overtime. Choose wisely.

About The Author | Article Index

Kettlebell.com staff writer Frank DiMeo has been involved with martial arts and self-defense for over twenty years and is also a very well-respected personal trainer.

He is currently working as a kettlebell instructor and personal trainer, focusing on his training class entitled "Russian Express: Ballistic Strength Training Program" for Personalized Fitness Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Click here to read more about Frank DiMeo and to read her other articles.