There is no age limit for fitness

A woman joined an exercise class I was teaching about 45 minutes after the class had begun.  She came in, grabbed a mat and some equipment we happen to be using at the time. I approached her and gave her a medicine ball along with some directions about the next exercise.  She followed along as best as she could, performing crunches and other Pilates exercises I like to save for the end. 

After the class was over she approached me and introduced herself as Ms. Patti.  She wanted me to know that she was a former student back when the class was held at a later time, which is why she was so late.  She had been out for about three years due to surgeries and she explained that it was difficult getting back into a routine.  However, she realized that she needed to come back because she needed to "get in shape" and she had "made enough excuses."

Ms. Patti continued to explain that she felt her muscles were weak and quickly disappearing.  She was having trouble with her back and her joints as well.  She wanted help recovering the muscle tone and flexibility lost during her absence from the gym.  I was so impressed by her motivation and dedication to herself.  She was committed to improve her quality of life and to improve her social life by becoming more active.

Many people come and go from the gym.  Some buy a gym membership and use it for about two months out of the year; in January to get rid of the 5-7 pounds they gained over the holidays and again in May to get the body ready for bathing suit season.  Sure, that’s realistic.

I guessed Ms. Patti was about 70 years old.  She could have easily stayed home, knitting, watching her favorite TV shows, and waiting for meals on wheels to deliver her dinner.  Instead she decided to join her friends at the gym and attend a class that focuses on cardio, strength, and flexibility for seniors because she wants "to get in shape."  She likes to purchase and cook her own food, she likes to volunteer at the library, and she loves to socialize with her neighbors.

On a day when the temperature was about 40°F with wind chills as low as 34°F, many women would simply choose to stay home where its warm and cozy.  I know I would, I admit it.  It is so easy to use our environment as an excuse and we only cheat ourselves, no one else.  There have been plenty of cold or rainy days when all I want to do is ship the kiddos off to school and cuddle up on the couch with my favorite book, tea, the phone, the remote and the laptop, of course. 

Ms. Patti made a very wise decision.  She grabbed her gear, put on her exercise clothes and chose to do something she knows will improve her health and quality of life.  She decided to go exercise.
She motivates me and makes me think twice when I'm on the verge of doing something I know will sabotage all my hard work at the gym and on my plate.  I hope Ms. Patti's story inspires you to do the same.  Oh, I almost forgot, Ms. Patti's real age is 83 and she drives herself everywhere.

Stay well,

Spin Diva

Comments

[Topsy-Techie]

I HATE it when 83 year olds put me to shame...unfortunately it happens all too frequently! Hurrah for Ms. Patti! Tell her to come by and pick me up on her way to class next time, k?

[Musing]

You go, Ms. Patti! I hope I'm half that active when I'm that age.

[Black Belt Mama]

I think she puts me to shame too. That is really awesome. What a cool class it is that you teach! I can visualize Ms. Patti.

[Zandria]

Wow! That is VERY inspirational, and also very cool. I want to be like Ms. Patti when I'M 83. :)

I found your blog through BlogHer!

[SpinDiva]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. Ms. Patti is an inspiration as are all other seniors in my class. One class member said it well, "it's best to get old while living and you can't quite do that sitting in a chair all day long."