Staying in the Game

Healthy Lifestyle | Fitness Over 50

Life throws unexpected challenges that can disrupt even the most dedicated exercise routines. From the global pandemic to regional wildfires here in California, circumstances sometimes keep us from staying active. The key is to return to your routine as quickly as possible—don’t let one missed day turn into weeks or months. Time flies, and prolonged breaks can undo months of hard work.

I’ve seen firsthand how consistent fitness pays off, especially for older adults. Take Joe, 73, a client of mine for 18 years. Recently, he fell off a ladder at home. Thanks to his long-term commitment to strength training, what could have been a serious injury was limited to sore muscles. Joe recovered in a few days and was back to his regular workouts in no time. Contrast that with his wife, who, after breaking her ankle last year while out of shape, faced months of physical therapy and a slow recovery.

Similarly, just last week, another client in her 60s fell at the beach. Despite bruised shoulders and knees, her bones remained intact, and she resumed exercising within a week.

Regardless of age, staying physically fit builds resilience, helping your body recover faster from injuries, illnesses, and surgery. The investment you make in your health now is invaluable—saving you time, money, and discomfort later.