People tend to workout less as they age in life

By Brian Attebery

Throughout our lives, we tend to prioritize exercise differently. In other words, certain ages tend to prioritize exercise differently. I recently looked at some date from the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) and found date that showed a breakdown of age groups for those adults who, “meet both cardio and strengthtraining guidelines.” Ages 18-24 was 33.8%, 25-44 years was 29.1%, 5564 years is 22.7% and 15.7% for ages 65-74 years of age (www.livestrong.com). As you can see, the trend is as you age, less people exercise regularly. I am going to explain my thoughts on this data.

anything, your 60-year-old body will be more of a challenge to get back into shape. Also, a 60-year-old who always stays in shape can definitely be in better shape than a 35-year-old that never did.

Attebery

I do think there are many things to consider with these data points. I think when people are younger and more likely to be single, they tend to have more time to focus on themselves. You don’t have kids and a spouse possibly. You also might be more motivated to work out because you are dating and looking for the love of your life. We prioritize our fitness more and have more time to do it. So, is it the age or the “stage” of life you are in?

If you find yourself single in your 40s, 50s and 60s, I will bet you will start working out more. I think we all have seen people you know go through this and suddenly, refocus on their health, fitness and getting that body back into shape.

We can’t just say having more time is the only factor because the oldest groups should be free of kids again. The kids are out of the house and expendable money and time are probably back in their lives. So, the time is not the only factor then. They are not prioritizing it like they did at a younger age.

I do think potential age issues are more about time going by than the actual number you are. If you are 60 but have always worked out, you will probably been in pretty good shape with good muscle tone. If you have let 40 years go by and have not done

Older workout enthusiasts must also recognize the modifications they must make as they age to be safe and effective. I think many older “gym rats” struggle with the idea of having to modify and lighten up their exercises as they get older. The days of super heavy lifting may be older but “heavy” is also a relative term. If it is heavy for you and it challenges you, then it is heavy enough. You should focus more on rep ranges of 8-15 instead of 1-5 like a lot of younger weightlifters tend to do. Who cares what you lift. Do what helps you to be healthy and functional in life. If you are hurt due to lifting too heavy, you can’t lift anything.

I think another idea with this study is to recognize that the older age groups didn’t grow up with the gym environments that are common today. If you look at the study, the sharpest drop is going from the 5564 age group to the 65–74-year age group. The other age groups have minor changes. I predict in the next 30 years, these participation numbers will be higher for the older group as they have been used to exercising with weights and cardio all their lives more than the current older group.

Regardless of what age you are, you need to prioritize weights and cardio exercises in your life. It will change based on your age AND stage of life as you navigate changes with your family, work, and health. Find workouts that will keep you healthy and remember to mix them up so your mind and body will stay fresh and focused on your goals. Age is just a number and those numbers you rep out on the dumbbell rack and treadmill are the most important ones to worry about right now.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

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