So the other day I read an inspiring Associated Press story about a woman in her early 40s who was so morbidly obese her doctor told her she could expect a major coronary event at any moment. If that wasn't enough, she smoked like a chimney and used alcohol as a stress reliever.
Here's the inspiring part: this woman made a vow to change, not only for herself, but for her husband and children. There followed an amazing self-renovation. Now in her late 60s, this woman is lean and mean. She's run marathons and is a champion swimmer.
The story continued with the tale of a 98-year-old who still runs every day. The gist, as I saw it, was that age doesn't have to be a barrier to physical fitness. Talk about inspiring!
Next came some quotes from a personal trainer, who explained that, although there is no age limit on maintaining fitness, as one grows older one has to make certain accommodations, accept the inevitable limitations of an older body. Beginning at age 50...
Wait a minute.
Age 50?
The age I will be in four months and 14 days?
I swear I felt my brain twitch when I realized I was reading an article about growing older and keeping fit that pertained to me.
I sat up straighter and had an indignant mental conversation with the author of the story and that oh so wise personal trainer. I informed them that I get more fresh air and exercise now than I have in years. I've lost weight, gained muscle and stamina, and I can't remember when I've felt more at home in my own body. So there!
I judiciously left out of the conversation the fact that when I stand up after sitting for too long my spine is as stiff and creaky as a length of frozen rope. The fact that my knee joints sound like Rice Krispies when I stretch was also edited from the conversation.
I understand that I am growing older, chronologically speaking. But I refuse to stock up on Ben Gay and Geritol (do they even still make Geritol) anytime soon. If you're only as young as you feel, then I feel I am not ready for low-impact this and high fiber that. As long as my favorite jeans fit and I can keep up with my high-energy dog, I'm still the same me I've always been.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get up and stretch. I've been sitting a little too long.
Here's the inspiring part: this woman made a vow to change, not only for herself, but for her husband and children. There followed an amazing self-renovation. Now in her late 60s, this woman is lean and mean. She's run marathons and is a champion swimmer.
The story continued with the tale of a 98-year-old who still runs every day. The gist, as I saw it, was that age doesn't have to be a barrier to physical fitness. Talk about inspiring!
Next came some quotes from a personal trainer, who explained that, although there is no age limit on maintaining fitness, as one grows older one has to make certain accommodations, accept the inevitable limitations of an older body. Beginning at age 50...
Wait a minute.
Age 50?
The age I will be in four months and 14 days?
I swear I felt my brain twitch when I realized I was reading an article about growing older and keeping fit that pertained to me.
I sat up straighter and had an indignant mental conversation with the author of the story and that oh so wise personal trainer. I informed them that I get more fresh air and exercise now than I have in years. I've lost weight, gained muscle and stamina, and I can't remember when I've felt more at home in my own body. So there!
I judiciously left out of the conversation the fact that when I stand up after sitting for too long my spine is as stiff and creaky as a length of frozen rope. The fact that my knee joints sound like Rice Krispies when I stretch was also edited from the conversation.
I understand that I am growing older, chronologically speaking. But I refuse to stock up on Ben Gay and Geritol (do they even still make Geritol) anytime soon. If you're only as young as you feel, then I feel I am not ready for low-impact this and high fiber that. As long as my favorite jeans fit and I can keep up with my high-energy dog, I'm still the same me I've always been.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get up and stretch. I've been sitting a little too long.
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