Taking the time to do something for your own good is typically time well spent.
Of course, working out comes to mind.
So does eating right.
Getting more restful sleep is right up there for sure, too.
Some people spend too much time working out, though, and that is when the time spent to gain acquired ratio becomes debatable.
For me, I’ve been taking better care of myself for the last two years.
It’s more about maintaining the gains I’ve made at this stage than it is trying to pack more muscle on so I can look better.
I’m stronger.
I’ve got more cardio endurance.
My workouts are very varied, and that keeps my entire body in good shape.
The main problem with aging is if you miss your workouts for any length of time, it is easy to lose the gains you’ve made.
It can be that way, no matter your age.
However, one thing I remember about my younger days is the ability to start working out again after a layoff, and get back in shape in relatively no time at all.
However, when you reach a certain tender age, the old saying, “Use it or lose it,” really does apply more than ever.
I’ve heard and seen people that someone like me inspires.
I’m older.
I’m in shape.
I don’t miss my workouts.
I haven’t gotten injured.
Bam.
That’s a biggie.
Besides aches and pains, and soreness, I’ve been going steady for almost two years now.
Some days can be better than others.
What I mean by that is, for whatever reason, some days, I’m not feeling as strong, or my stamina feels less.
I chalk these days up to what it feels like to live.
One cannot be at the top of their game every workout.
Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep the night before.
Possibly there’s something on your mind.
Whatever it is, I don’t beat myself up.
What I do is push through a workout on days like this the best that I can.
Use age as motivation
I think my sixties are the decade I’m primed to feel good more consistently than any other age I live through.
I still feel young.
I have lots of energy.
I work full-time.
But I make concessions to age and fitness, mostly in the name of sleep.
I make sure I get to bed early.
I also get up before 5 a.m. on weekdays and “sleep in” till 6 or so on weekends.
I’ve never been a morning person, but I’ve learned this schedule of awakening and sleeping works best.
My workouts are done early morning, too, and a little later on the weekend.
Gym or no gym, keep at it.
This is different than what I did before I found the gym that I have. But, it’s not important for this post as I don’t want to be someone who suggests what they do is for everybody.
Everyone has to find what’s right for them.
Gyms were not in my vocabulary for most of the decades of my life.
Having lived in Colorado for three of them, my workouts were always outdoors.
The thought of using gyms was suffocating.
I wanted to breathe fresh air.
And I did.
Now, sometimes the garage door of the gym is open for fresh air, depending on the time of year.
The rest of the time, there’s either air conditioning, fans, or both going. During the winter, the temperature, I believe, hovers around 68 most days.
In Colorado, I worked out in the afternoons.
Some studies supposedly show afternoon/early evening workouts may be best for overall results.
Even though I get up very early and have been doing it for a while now, I’m not a morning person.
But I do feel I push through the workouts pretty well. Of course, when I don’t, the instructor busts me, but that doesn’t happen too often as I believe I work hard day in and day out.
I also compete only against myself.
Just like I did when I worked out outdoors.
Bottom line, whatever it is you do, keep at it.
If you haven’t started yet, get off the couch.
It’s a great time for the second half of the year resolution that will ensure you finish the year strong.