I almost salivate every time I see a high impact aerobics class in session at my gym. I feel the same when I pass our local tennis courts and watch that yellow ball going back and forth over the net.
I did aerobics most mornings for years. I also played tennis every day for years. But I don’t do either anymore. And I’ve stopped running 10Ks – an activity I was so proud to be able to do well into my forties and fifties.
Yet, I still workout and/or walk every single day. So what’s different? Why has my workout regime changed? Well, as I’ve aged, I’ve found my body can’t do everything it used to be able to do.
Just to check it out, I took a Zumba class recently – it was for charity so I thought why not? I used to do aerobics and I had heard Zumba was a lot like that. Unfortunately, my body completely rejected it. I started panting during the first song, I could barely follow the steps and keep my balance during the second, and by the time we took the first break I was guzzling down the water. Without making any excuses I left after a half hour. I had had enough.
What a rude awakening. I do cardio every day – walking or stepping on the elliptical at a very fast pace. However, not fast enough to keep up with both the rhythm and simultaneous feet and arm movements needed to perform in an aerobics or Zumba class.
Actually, I do hit tennis balls with my son once in a while. He’s is a tennis pro, and he’s gentle with me. He always hits the balls right back to me so I don’t need to run a lot. That way I can last the whole hour. So with the knowledge that I can still hit the ball, I think about going over to the park to find out if anyone is looking for a tennis partner. Yet I never do. I guess I don’t want to find out I’ve become incapacitated at tennis as well.
But I’m not one of those folks who gets angry because I can’t function like I used to. I just substitute other forms of exercise more suited to my aging body.
Instead of running – I gave that up because it bothered my hip – I take long walks along the beach near my home. Instead of aerobics classes I get my cardio exercise on the elliptical trainer, the stair stepper, or the treadmill. And I’ve learned I don’t need to participate in the fly-by-night fads like TRX, Zumba, and kick boxing. I do basic weight exercises using weight machines and free weights. I also incorporate yoga in my stretching routine.
My current love is Pilates. I find the Pilates stretching and exercises really have helped my core, back, balance, and posture. It is slow-paced and never hurts – and it’s not as challenging as some of the heavy weight-bearing yoga moves I used to do. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the level of intensity to fit my strength level. My instructor keeps telling me my Pilates work is making me grow, but so far I’ve haven’t gained back the two inches I’ve already lost.
Another thing I’m very concerned about is balance, so I practice some balance moves like the yoga Tree, Warrior III, and other one-leg poses at the end of most of my workouts. If I can keep my balance I have less chance of hurting myself. That’s the key. Balance equals less risk of falling. Another goal of my exercise program is to have good cardiovascular health. Moving provides the oxygen I need to stay healthy physically and mentally.
As a result, I have gained a body free from aches and pains and the need to take medicines to lower my cholesterol and blood pressure. It has also provided me a feeling of well-being and confidence. And, perhaps I’ll also receive an extra few years of life. With that result, I have to consider my age-appropriate exercise program a success.
Photo Credit: Maxwell GS
