In this “scary” season, let’s talk about fear. The fear that keeps you from improving your health and quality of life. The fear of starting your fitness journey or, if you’re already on it, the fear of pushing yourself to new heights. It can keep you frozen in your tracks worse than Dracula or the wolfman. Fitness fears are common among everyone, not just people later in life. It’s common to feel worried about “fitting in” where it seems “everyone” is already in good condition and knows what they’re doing. Some people might be scared they’ll fail or get hurt. Maybe you’re intimidated by the th ..read more

Fifteen years ago, Alan Rosenthal was a fit 60-year-old who had just returned from a bicycle trip through France. Then a blood test revealed type 2 diabetes. His doctor gave him a three-day course on diet, exercise, and self-care. The doctor also recommended a local trainer. And even though Alan knew his way around a gym, he adopted a new perspective and learned workouts to keep him healthy. “My goals were different when I was younger,” says Alan, who enjoys an active lifestyle with his husband, 78, who is not diabetic. “Our social life revolves around meals and eating, so there are challenges ..read more

Do you want to live a longer, healthier life?   Then we have a show for you.   The idea of blue zones was popularized by author Dan Buettner in his book, “The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” He discovered five places in the world where have greater longevity and happy, healthy lives past 100. Now this fascinating research has been adapted for a beautiful Netflix docu-series, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” hosted by Buettner, who takes viewers to these locations and introduces us to people who live there. It’s a g ..read more

Mary Frances Benton, 61, knew it would take time to lose 40 pounds. But she dropped 15 pounds in just a few months last year, boosting her spirits, and she’s continued to slim down and gain strength ever since. Besides, she knew better than to expect “instant” results, partly because she had done this before. Like millions around the world, the fight against obesity has been ongoing for a while. About 12 years ago, Mary Frances noticed that she was gaining weight. She went to a friend’s gym and asked for a trainer. Within a month, she was feeling better – stronger, and with more endurance. An ..read more

Arthritis, with its joint pain and stiffness, affects over 350 million people globally and is a leading cause of disability. Yet, there’s a myth that exercise could make it worse. Let’s bust that myth right away! Exercise is actually your ally in managing arthritis. As the Mayo Clinic emphatically states, “Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis.” Here’s why: When you’re strong and flexible, you move easier, with less stiffness. Contrary to what you might think, exercise reduces joint pain and fatigue. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint. And stronger ..read more

When it comes to fitness over 50, some topics are just timeless and deserve our constant attention. These four subjects are not only relevant but also crucial, whether you’re considering starting a fitness routine or you’re already on your fitness journey. No. 1: The Importance of Muscle If you want to age gracefully, maintain your quality of life, and enjoy independence, then strength training is non-negotiable. Interestingly, there’s a generational divide when it comes to awareness. Many people over 60 may not fully grasp the significance of strength training because fitness didn’t enter mai ..read more

People who exercise face a lower risk of Covid-19 and of severe infection than people who don’t, says an analysis of 16 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. This could lead to enthusiasm for updating exercise guidelines and health policies concerning exercise as medicine. You might remember during the darkest days of the pandemic there was a movement to include the health and fitness industry among “essential” services that could continue to be provided during a lockdown. The idea didn’t get far, but it sure makes sense. The New York Times reports that scientists have n ..read more

Confidence comes with age sometimes. It’s one of the great rewards of this time of life. Maybe you’ve raised a beautiful family and enjoyed a successful career, and rightfully feel strong about your achievements and standing. But for some, it’s easy to feel insecure about our bodies and physical activity – to feel “less than” others when it comes to exercise and health. So, let’s turn that around and discuss how fitness builds confidence at any age, including yours. Principles of Living Well We believe in principles of healthy aging, inside and out. We know how hard it can be to feel truly con ..read more

Do you hear Mother Nature calling? How can you resist the temptation to get out and enjoy the cooler temps and the mesmerizing transformation of fall foliage? Even if it means a short drive to reach the perfect spot, the rewards of nature are worth it. But there’s more to this than just a visual treat. With a fall hike or even a leisurely stroll outdoors, you get a super-charged workout that doesn’t even feel like exercise. So, whether alone or with others, invest in an autumn hike and embrace the fitness benefits that come with being able and active. And if you’re not confident yet about your ..read more

Balance and flexibility are key facets of physical fitness. Like endurance and strength, they diminish with age unless we work on them. Working on balance and flexibility helps prevent falls, which can be disastrous. And just like it’s never too late to start working on them, it’s also never too soon. Anyone engaged in fitness should include stretching in his or her routine, whether beginning or experienced. There’s a reason people have always talked about being “strong enough to bend,” you know. Plus, stretching feels good. It lowers stress and improves posture and circulation. It helps us pe ..read more