AGELESS FITNESS
If you’re like me, you understand living your best life won’t happen if you are out of shape and struggling to make it through the day. Even if you haven’t seen the inside of a gym since Jane Fonda was rockin’ her leg warmers, you know. You are barraged by magazine covers, commercials and billboards filled with fit, happy-looking people telling you how easy it is to be like them. You may even own a piece of gimmicky equipment purchased with three easy payments. You probably hung your coat on it last night.
If you don’t feel like you are as active as you should be, you are not alone. While our bodies are much the same as they were thousands of years ago, our day-to-day level of physical exertion has significantly dropped in the last 50 years. In the not-too-distant past, most people worked labor-intensive jobs as factory workers, farmers and in the trades, all which required constant movement. After work, no one was able to come home, binge watch Netflix and eat delivery. Neighborhood kids would play tag, jump rope and climb trees until dark. Even adult recreational activities required movement, whether cultivating a garden, caring for the home or hunting and fishing.
Moreover, much of the movement, which was part of daily life is not necessary anymore. When was the last time you opened a door at the grocery store? Have you ever eaten a meal grown and prepared with your own two hands? Do you know how long it takes to walk to work? When was the last time you even walked around the block? Consider the fact our bodies are the same today as they were when we had to move to live, and you will understand why so many people are unfit.
I understand many of the workouts you see in social media posts feature athletes and people you may consider more gifted than you. I mean, they must have been born that way, right? You either have a six-pack, ripped arms and a high-and-tight arse or you don’t. Ha! Not so fast, my friend! Everyone benefits from regular movement, you simply need to understand how your body is designed to work.
Think of the myriad of ways in which you move throughout the day: walking, bending, lifting, twisting, pulling and climbing are all moves which require coordination, balance and strength. Increasing your strength makes it easier to pick up a bag of groceries, or simply get out of bed. Improving your balance will protect against sudden falls. Greater coordination will make you better able to play with your kids. Overall, being more fit will improve every area of your life.
How do you want to move in a year?
You probably have other questions about exercise and how to best approach your personal fitness long term. Depending on your age, current state of health, injury history and goals, your approach will differ from mine or from your friend who keeps inviting you to the gym. That’s why you need to understand your body in order to achieve better results. This course and content aims to guide you in the kind of movement which best serves you.
The good news is you can improve your health at any time. Men and women of every age and condition have become stronger, increased their endurance and improved their mobility. It’s your turn!