Years ago, in the pre-pandemic era, I took pride in crafting the most challenging workouts for my gym. I vividly recall new members attempting to conquer these workouts, often leaving feeling both sick and defeated. There's a memorable instance of a guy persistently returning, making it only halfway through the session before retreating to the patio, lying there on the verge of nausea.
During this period, coined the "I have to get fit before I can come to FIT" era, our clientele was primarily in their 30s and 40s. Fast forward to our 50s and 60s, and the landscape has shifted. It became evident that jumping into intense workouts involving thrusters, sprints, pull-ups, and burpees without proper consideration could result in injuries or illness. This realization prompted a reevaluation of how we introduce individuals to fitness.
Here are three crucial factors that have reshaped our approach:
- Understand Individual Goals: It's essential to connect with each person, grasping their objectives, challenges, and motivations.
- Assess Health and Fitness Capacity: Progress requires addressing movement restrictions, existing and past injuries, and evaluating current fitness levels.
- Best First Step: Tailoring the start of a fitness journey is crucial. While some thrive by diving in, many prefer guidance on the frequency, intensity, recovery, and efficient, safe movement.
These adjustments aim to create a more personalized and sustainable fitness experience. Gone are the days when prospective members claimed they needed to get fit before joining our gym. As most of us age into our 50s and beyond, there's a newfound appreciation for finding the right starting point for everyone seeking to move forward.
While the belief that fitness should be challenging persists, the focus has shifted. Success is now attributed to those who can be taught to embrace challenges rather than those inherently capable. There's a rejection of the quick-fix mentality prevalent in 10-day detoxes or 90-day fitness programs. Impactful changes demand commitment to a sustainable, challenging routine.
Unlike our younger days, when resilience allowed us to bounce back from rigorous workouts, aging requires a more strategic approach. Starting slowly, understanding our needs, assessing our fitness level among peers, and planning a progressive path forward are crucial.
It's tempting to settle for routine check-box fitness, like a morning run or a yoga class. However, a truly transformative fitness practice, one that enhances energy and defies aging, is not effortless. Yet, when introduced thoughtfully, with the right starting point and progression, meaningful changes can occur.
Do you have a plan for your fitness journey? Are you open to starting something new that will make a real impact?
Looking forward to seeing you in the studio,
Aaron Leventhal CSCS, CPT, PN1