After two weeks of workouts at our Wellness Center as part of a weight loss program, I can testify without any hesitation whatsoever that it is way easier to get out of shape than is it is regain the lost ground. My nutrition education has also improved and played a role in a 5 pound weight loss for the week.
I now have a new appreciation for what a full body workout involves. For the past year, I exercised on an elliptical machine for 60 minutes at least five days a week. While good for my heart, I was building strength in a very limited muscle group. As we age, we need to become much more conscious of building both upper body and leg strength...and my knees really needed some work.
There are three groups of 10 participants in this program of which I am easily the elder. There are a couple of participants in their early 50s and the balance are in their early 30s...my children's age. There is no difference in the workouts conducted by personal trainers twice a week. Our coach is very understanding of the age difference and frequently encourages our team to listen to their bodies. However, the educational component of this program could use some work.
What has occurred to me in the past two weeks is what an incredible opportunity there is for similar program for adults 60 and older. We are not interested in becoming hard bodies; but are very interested in how to maintain lifelong independence, cognitive well being and shedding some pounds. Wellness Centers are missing a huge window of opportunity, and income stream, if they continue to ignore this age group.
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