Some Workouts Really Do Get Better With Age

There are some things that get better with age. You probably already know two of the cliches: wine and cheese. And while that’s certainly true, I’d like to add a third one to the list: workouts.

No, no, stay with me here. I’m serious.

For Fit Bottomed at Any Age Week, I got to thinking about the old (pardon the pun) “I’m getting old” excuse that so many throw out there.

I’m getting too old to do that.

My body just doesn’t move like it used to.  

Or the worst: I just can’t.

Now, I’m not saying that your body doesn’t change as it gets older. It certainly does, and I’ve had to pay better attention to my eats, sleep and stress levels to feel as good as I did when I was younger. I’m easier on myself now, more intuitive, and I take recovery days seriously.

But I think it’s exactly those things — plus the time to master some moves — that has made my workouts better with age. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve slowed down and done things the right way. I’ve realized my fitness is less about looks and more about what I can do and how I feel. And the extra years have given me time to master a few things. I’ve built my cardio endurance over time by training for endurance events — and I’ve set some pretty big strength goals (Pull-ups! Rope climbs! Handstand push-ups!) and achieved them. Doing so has taken patience, something I didn’t have a lot of in my younger years. And I’ve learned along the way that I really can do anything I put my mind to.

Plus, I have some damn inspiring role models. At my gym, I am surrounded by awesomeness that knows no boundaries when it comes to age. Just look at these women.

Meet Marietta. She’s 48 and, as her socks declare, a total bad-ass.

Meet Gretchen, 41, and recently did a full 30 rounds of Chelsea. Mind-blowingly awesome.

Meet Sheryl (in the red coaching), almost 48, and demands the most out of others — and herself.

Yes, there is some genetics and natural ability here, but there is absolutely no doubt that there is also an incredible amount of work, effort, grace and inner strength that these ladies possess. At the Throwdown this year, Marietta and Gretchen both placed in the top three, with Gretchen winning it all. And Sheryl runs the whole gym and constantly provides an environment that empowers women to realize their deep inner confidence through physical pursuits and outer strength, no matter (or even in spite of) their age, size or ability. It’s an inspiring place to be, that’s for sure.

When I grow up, I wanna be like Gretchen, Sheryl and Marietta.

So what gets better with age? Wine, cheese, workouts — and US! All of us! Twenties, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and hopefully 100s — we all can improve and grow. And while the body does age and change as the years pass, we should all remember the role that the right mindset can play in a healthy lifestyle. As the saying goes, you’re only as old as you feel. So don’t let a number ever tell you what you *think* you can do! Get out there and do it!

Have you ever used “getting old” as an excuse? Who are your role models? —Jenn