One of the great things about getting older is this: By now, you’ve learned how important it is to have the right mindset in building a new habit or working toward a goal.
Right? You’ve done this countless times throughout life, whether at work, with your family, or pursuing hobbies. You know that:
- If you have the wrong idea, you’re starting on the wrong foot.
- If you listen to the naysayers, you’ll never get anywhere.
- If you focus on impossible dreams, you won’t achieve your perfectly attainable desires.
So, here is our list of five common mistakes people over 50 make about fitness. Join us today and let’s break free together!
Looking Back (Waaaaaay Back)
Men in their 50s and 60s will tell us on their first visit, “When I was in college, I could bench press a truck while running the 4-minute mile. On a hangover. So, yeah, let’s get me back to that.”
WRONG.
It doesn’t matter what you think you did decades ago, good or bad. Life didn’t end at 25, did it? We figure out your abilities TODAY and how they relate to your desires for TOMORROW.
“Why Is This Taking So Long?”
We all want the “quick fix” to our problems, don’t we? It’s only natural.
But let’s not get frustrated too soon. Success takes time.
Here’s a simple example: You didn’t gain 40 pounds in two weeks, so it’s going to take more than two weeks to lose it.
Too Much Focus on Weight
Our culture puts too much emphasis on weight. Here with us, you’ll learn to focus more about mobility, strength, agility and stamina.
And yes, you’ll start looking better in no time, which might (or might not) be accompanied by a lower number on the scale.
But it’s just one little piece of the puzzle.
“It’s Too Late for Me”
Stereotypes and myths somehow persist that health is for young people only, or something we can’t correct or improve.
Nothing could be further from the truth. As we age, it’s even more important to take care of ourselves so we can enjoy independence and a higher quality of life.
We don’t try to make you young again because there’s simply no need for that. (Also, it’s, you know, impossible!) It’s never too late to start exercising and see improvements.
“I Don’t Care About Muscles”
If you come in here with the mindset that you just want to walk on the treadmills for a few minutes, then you’re missing out on the most powerful tool we have to help you live the life you want to live.
And that’s resistance training. Or strength training. Or weightlifting, if you like.
We all need muscle as we go through life. Muscle keeps us upright. It lets us stand up from the toilet. It lets us put away the groceries, travel, and beat the neighbors at pickleball. You simply can’t do anything without muscle, and we’ll make sure you have as much as you need.
We’ll go over all this and more with you before you start – and at any time after you’ve joined us. We’ll get your mindset right, and we’re here to keep it right long after you’ve joined.
Let’s do this!
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.