Renee Rose knows precisely why and when she decided to start exercising regularly.

And telling the story brings a tear to her eye.

Last Thanksgiving, her family rented a bounce house for the grandkids. Renee had looked forward to playing in it with the little ones, but she quickly lost her breath and had to leave.

“I was really upset,” recalls Renee, a nurse who’s now 59 and had gained weight over the last year or two. “I couldn’t do the things that I wanted to do. It was at that moment I decided I’ve got to change.”

She started working out after the holidays and hasn’t looked back.

“The best thing I ever did was walk through those doors,” says Renee, a veteran nurse.

Previously, everyday chores had been growing more difficult. She got winded walking up the stairs. Most importantly, she couldn’t play with her grandkids on the floor like she longed to do.

She’s working out three times a week in small group personal training.

In just a few months, Renee’s doctor has taken her off one medication and hopes to drop another soon. Her stamina is up, and her clothes are too big. 

She’s even doing burpees and squats.

Big Plans for a Big Birthday

And for her 60th birthday, Renee is planning “something physical” like rock climbing, ziplining, or white-water rafting.

It could be a celebration to match the family’s Fourth of July. They rented a tall water slide for the kids, and Renee put memories of the bounce house behind her. She went up and down the slide with her granddaughter tirelessly, over and over.

“She approached me with her little arms up and said, ‘Again, Nana.’ It was the best. I want to cry just talking about it.

“It was so much fun and made me feel good having that time with her. You want to be there for them. You don’t want to be the Nana in the rocking chair. Not at 60.”

A Powerful Motivation for Many

What type of grandparent do you want to be?

The strong and healthy kind that plays with the grandkids — or the frail, retreating kind that sits and watches instead?

Studies show that being an active, involved grandparent is one of the most common and powerful motivations for millions to exercise regularly.

• Today’s grandparents want to share experiences with their grandkids, not just buy them things.
• Almost 70% live within 50 miles.
• Polls show that grandparenting is one of the most positive aspects of later life.

Strength makes all the difference as we age. Humans lose muscle as we age unless we practice resistance training to maintain muscle. Without it, we simply can’t do much of anything.

We love Renee’s example!

Are you tired of not being able to enjoy your favorite activities anymore? Our team of functional aging specialists will help make them possible again!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!

A new study says lifestyle habits like exercise and diet become more important in midlife, with the first of two major changes in the body’s molecules.
 
Researchers examined 135,000 types of molecules and microbes from more than 100 adults. They found major shifts in abundance occurred around two ages – roughly 44 and 60.
 
The peer-reviewed study was published in the journal Nature Aging.
 
“Changes in molecules related to cardiovascular disease, the metabolism of caffeine, and skin and muscle were observed at both ages,” The Washington Post reported. But in the 40s, changes were more often related to the metabolism of alcohol and fats; in the 60s, they were more related to immune regulation, kidney function, and the metabolism of carbohydrates.
 
Healthier lifestyles have particular benefits starting in the 40s, the researchers said.
 
These findings probably make sense to anyone who notices a drop in physical performance – or ability to handle coffee or liquor – in their 40s and 60s.
 
Scientists say it’s not clear why these molecular changes happen in the 40s and 60s. However, the findings could lead to a greater understanding of how the body ages and which molecules are most directly linked to certain age-related diseases.
 
Yes, our bodies change as we age. This is all the more reason to move your body and eat responsibly throughout life at any age.

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Sign up here:https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

Exercise boosts creative thinking of all kinds.

Want proof?

• Michael, a corporate attorney, solves his complicated work problems while swimming.
• Todd, who manages PR for a large communications firm, likes to have one-on-one meetings with his direct reports at the company gym.
• And Lyndsey, a photographer, cleared her head to open her own business while lifting weights and sparring in the gym. 

There’s also a growing body of scientific studies that connect exercise and creative thinking. Walking is a good starting point, as great thinkers like Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Thoreau observed. But strength training and balance work are essential, particularly after 50.

‘Walking Opens Up the Free Flow of Ideas’

For example, in one study, experts found participants who walked more saw an 81 percent rise in creative thinking on a key scale measuring divergent and convergent thinking, the two main components of creative thinking. One refers to our ability to think of multiple solutions to a problem, the other to thinking of just one.

“Moreover, when seated after walking, participants exhibited a residual creative boost,” wrote Marily Oppezzo and Daniel Schwartz of Stanford. They said the benefits come whether you’re walking indoors or outside. “Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and physical activity.”

Beyond walking, our brains get juiced by bicycling, yoga, weightlifting—whatever exercise we choose. Research shows that people who are in good shape get even more benefits.

“Those who exercise regularly are better at creative thinking… Regular exercisers fared better on creativity tests than did non-exercisers,” wrote cognitive psychologist Lorenza Colzato.

Exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, which plays a major role in learning and improves memory.

Healthy Habits Are Good for Everyone

“Creativity” doesn’t apply just to artists or other “creative” types. It refers to thinking freely – “outside the box,” as the saying goes – to find solutions to problems.

When we were younger, maybe it was easier to pull an all-nighter or dredge up creative bursts by sheer will when forced under a deadline.

But that only works for so long. As we age, we need more reliable ways to keep our creativity flowing. That means more than just exercise. We need to eat right, get plenty of rest, and replenish our minds and spirit with friends, family, art, community, and spiritual pursuits.

Creativity is key to success in any endeavor. And exercise can help you — any kind of it.

Try it out. Next time you’re turning over something in your mind, go for a walk and see if your mind doesn’t start generating some new ideas.

Starting with a walk is fine. But come, let us show you the power of more kinds of movement for people over 50. Some people find yoga unleashes their subconscious problem-solving abilities. For others, lifting heavy weights gets the mental juices flowing.

Free your body, and the rest will follow.

If you’re over 50 and feeling behind in your life rather than ahead, our team of functional aging specialists is here to help you reclaim your life! 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

You probably know that yoga is good for your mood and body. Research says it’s also good for your brain health, protecting against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Researchers say that yoga’s four components—breathing, physical relaxation, postures, and meditation—lower stress and inflammation linked to poor brain health. It can also improve the brain’s ability to use limited cognitive resources.
 
Brain scans have shown greater gray matter in the hippocampus of people who practice yoga, a brain region involved in memory.
 
According to The Washington Post, about 17 percent of Americans participate in yoga. It’s a good complement to aerobics and strength training, and many love it on their own, especially if they’re unable to perform other movements.
 
Previous research showed that yoga improves attention, processing speed, executive function, and memory. The new study, published this year in the journal Nature, says it can also help older people at risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
 
In it, 79 women at least 50 years old who reported cognitive decline were divided into two groups. One group practiced yoga daily for 12 weeks and reported significantly less subjective cognitive impairment compared to the others, who had received training to improve their memories.
 
More research is needed to solidify the results. However, it aligns with what is already known about yoga and brain health and the growing research supporting aerobic and strength training to improve cognition and lower the risk of dementia.
 
The mind-body connection is real – and crucial to optimal aging.

If you’re over 50 and feeling behind in your life rather than ahead, our team of functional aging specialists is here to help you reclaim your life! 

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

Here are some of the questions about active aging for fitness in midlife and beyond. Let us know if you have any other questions! We are happy to answer them.
 
Question: Will strength training make me big and bulky?
 
Answer: No! Strength training is essential to healthy living as you mature. We’re not talking about bodybuilding. Trust us: It takes a ton of concentrated effort over a long period for healthy young men to get “big and bulky.” It will not happen to you.
 
But you will be preserving muscle necessary for all movements, including everyday tasks like bringing in the groceries and picking up babies. You’ll also improve your balance, making you less likely to fall, and your bone strength, making you less likely to break something.
 
Q: Isn’t walking enough exercise for older people?
 
A: No, it’s not. Walking is a great start, so if you’re already doing it, then keep it up. And if you’re not, then by all means start. But it would help if you had cardiovascular exercise that’s more vigorous, strength training, and agility work, like stretching.
 
Q: What’s the best kind of exercise for me?
 
A: The fun kind. The kind you will do regularly. The kind that helps you feel move, and look better. That can be just about anything, and we can help you find a suitable activity and location for you, even if it’s not with us.
 
Q: Don’t you have to be in good condition to start exercising or going to a gym?
 
A: Absolutely not. Everyone is welcome. It’s out-of-shape people who need it the most. You might have spent many years working hard, raising a family, and focusing on others. Now it’s time to start taking first-class care of yourself with healthy habits like regular exercise and eating right.
 
Q: Won’t I have to spend hours and hours in the gym every day?
 
A: We’re not here to sell you endless time inside our four walls. We’re here to help you have the strength, stamina, and agility to live your best life for as long as possible. So, no, you don’t have to spend all your time sweating. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise plus two resistance training sessions. 
 
Q: Will I hurt myself?
 
A: You are more likely to hurt yourself if you are inactive. Fitness prevents injuries and chronic conditions, improves balance, bone density, and mental alertness, and helps us manage weight, blood pressure, and stress. 
 
Q: I’m over 50, and my weight is fine. Why should I work out regularly? 
 
A: Staying fit after 50 also helps you enjoy sports and activities safely, including traveling, playing with grandkids, and putting away groceries. We need strength, endurance, and flexibility no matter our weight or what activities we enjoy!
 
Got more questions? We’ve got the answers!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

You’ve heard “Stand up for your rights,” but how about “Stand up for your LIFE”?

Too much sitting has been identified as a health hazard in recent years, particularly among mature adults. It has been blamed for increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and premature aging, as well as cognitive decline.

A byproduct of too much sitting is tightened hip flexors, which hinder your posture, gait, and athletic performance. And even though you might be working less, you’re still at your desk and computer, rounding your back and straining your neck.

Proper exercise can relieve muscle soreness and tension and improve your walking, comfort, and mobility. Plenty of simple at-home exercises will do the trick, and we can show you how.

In one study, scientists compared 1,500 older women with sedentary subjects and active peers. They found that the inactive group’s cells were eight years older than those of the more active women. 

Regular exercise is essential. In addition, remember to rise more and walk around. Break up an hour of sitting with a few minutes of light activity. If nothing else, turn off the TV and the computer, stand, stretch, and walk around the house.

The cancer society suggests we:

• Stand to fold laundry 
• Exercise or stretch while watching TV
• Walk around during commercials

Stand up for your health, now more than ever.

If you’re over 50, stuck in a health rut, and are ready to feel like yourself again, our team of functional aging specialists knows precisely what you need to get your health and fitness back where it should be! 

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

Imagine if your job was devoted to food.

• You ate out at restaurants several nights a week.
• You tested all kinds of recipes.
• You hobnobbed with the foodiest of foodies.

Sounds like a dream job, right? In many ways, it was for Jill Silva (right, above), the award-winning former Food editor of the Kansas City Star who now has a public relations firm representing restaurants, chefs, and others in the industry.

But it came at a cost she’s now excited to correct: Silva, 60, gained weight over the years in restaurants and test kitchens, during which time she was a busy mom of two and never made time for consistent exercise.

But now, thanks to a newfound passion for powerlifting and working out with a trainer, she’s healthy, fit, and energetic.

“I might never be that skinny young thing again, but that’s OK,” says Silva. “I’m strong, I feel great, and I won’t need to use a walker when I’m 80.”

An ‘Accidental’ Start

The turnaround began “accidentally” a couple of years ago when a friend invited her to use a guest pass at a recreation center. To her surprise, Silva started working out for the first time in ages and felt better almost immediately.

She connected with a female powerlifting coach and has been working out at least twice a week, losing fat and gaining muscle along the way—and reversing her doctor’s worries. 

She’s reassessing aspects of her relationship with food, although she loves her work and all the countless ways food enriches our lives.

“I’m trying to let go of the excuse that I’m a food person, and I test recipes and eat out in restaurants, so that’s just the way it is for me,” she says. I had to stop eating what I wanted whenever I wanted it.”

At 5 feet 7, she’s down to 210, near her goal weight of 200.

“I am very solid muscle. I am extremely strong,” she says proudly.

She eats at events about three times a week, and often, what she eats there is beyond her control.

“So, I’m trying to remember quantity, to just take a taste,” she says. “A lot goes home in boxes. You don’t want to hurt the chef’s feelings.”

The ‘Misconception’ about Bulking Up

Silva says that when she was growing up, schools didn’t teach the health benefits of lifting weights, so this was news to her.

“Nothing in gym class ever taught me about weights,” she says. I had the misconception that you would bulk up.”

Squats, deadlifts, rows, and other resistance exercises have given her a new appreciation for her body—what it can do, how it can improve her health, and how it looks.

“I spent so much time in my life thinking I was not quite adequate, that I could have thinner legs or be more like someone else,” she recalls. “And that’s just such a waste.”

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

Richard Simmons changed the fitness game for millions of people decades ago. 
 
Those “of a certain age” might remember that fitness celebrities tended to be physically intimidating and glamorous back then, looking down from Mount Olympus and urging us mere mortals to aspire to more.
 
Then Simmons showed up with his wild hair, barely there shorts, and over-the-top enthusiasm. He brought endless energy and encouragement to everyone, particularly mature women who thrived on his supportive “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” approach.
 
And fitness was never the same.
 
Simmons died July 13, at age 76, at his home in Los Angeles. The cause hasn’t been announced.
 
He was known for talking openly about being obese as a child, laughing and crying with audience members struggling with their weight.
 
“Number one, like yourself. Number two, you have to eat healthy. And number three, you’ve got to squeeze your buns,” he said. “That’s my formula.”
 
The court jester of fitness in the ‘80s and ‘90s always remained upbeat, even to the end, posting this on Facebook a few months ago:
 
“I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest daily. Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.”
 
We couldn’t agree more. RIP, Richard.

Are you tired of not being able to enjoy your favorite activities anymore? Our team of functional aging specialists will help make them possible again!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

Self-care is important throughout life, especially after the age of 50 or so. 

From having a “happy place” like a lake cabin (above) to … exercising regularly and eating right, it’s vital to love yourself daily by taking positive steps to enjoy life, stay in good health, and thrive at any age.

Take a look at this checklist to see how you’re doing and where you could “level up” a bit.

Let’s Get Physical
Of course, we recommend that you move your body purposefully every day and exercise at least a few times a week. Even if you don’t want to join a gym or studio like ours, you still need to maintain your strength, endurance, and agility.

Don’t forget about walking, swimming, yoga, and dancing – even if it’s just around the house!

Nourish Your Body
Five servings of fruits and vegetables… plenty of lean protein… whole grains like oats and brown rice… And water! Lots and lots of water.

Avoid ultra-processed products for whole foods. But say away from a fad diet or anything too restrictive.

Pamper Yourself
This isn’t just a luxury; it’s a vital part of self-care. So, schedule spa days for massage to relieve stress, reduce pain, and improve circulation; indulge in a facial, bubble baths, or saunas; and get your hair and nails taken care of regularly.

Stay Mindful and Social
Keeping your mind active and in high spirits is as important as physical health. According to Yale research, maintaining a positive attitude about aging can add 7.5 years to your life.

So, meditate and practice mindfulness. Maintain social connections and try something new here, at a house of worship, or by volunteering. Learn something new regularly, even if it’s just reading books.

Keep Up with Health Check-ups
Regular health check-ups can catch potential issues early and keep you on track:

• Annual Exams: Get your physicals, including screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Eye and Ear Health: Essential as you age.
• Dental Care: Same!

Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Getting enough rest is crucial for your overall health, so aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night and create a routine to help you wind down.

If you have a lakeside cabin or some other “special place,” then enjoy it wholeheartedly. But if you don’t, find a nook to be alone with your thoughts, journal, and a cup of tea. We all need quiet time alone.

Self-Care Is Up to You
We believe in fitness and practicing self-care more broadly, as well.

But it’s up to you to take care of yourself, to believe you deserve the best life possible, and to be willing to take the necessary steps.

If you’re ready to create a personalized plan that’s meaningful enough to stick to… especially when the going gets tough, we’re here to help.

In our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program, we’ll work together to ensure you’re not just “going through the motions” to hit your goals but living a life that aligns with your values.

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

It used to be conventional wisdom that everybody wanted to retire to Florida or another sunny spot, find a comfortable place to sit, and… wait for life to wind down.
 
Today’s active agers aren’t settling for that.
 
Sure, some people want a slow pace and lots of sunshine. But we’re also looking at other criteria for our retirement spot—like access to recreation, nature, and exercise; proximity to airports to make travel easier; social opportunities; and other things that contribute to a deliberately active retirement.
 
That’s the focus of the Retire There with Gil & Gene podcast, hosted by a married couple in Brooklyn, New York. She’s retired; he’s counting the days. Each week, they interview a retiree in a different destination about what made it The Place.
 
Porto, Portugal… Green Valley, Arizona … Santa Barbara, California … Austin, Texas … Hong Kong… and, yes, even various spots in Florida.
 
“Many of our guests are somewhere where things feel new to them, and they realize how much they love something that involves physical exercise,” says Gil Chan.
 
“They’re spending retirement doing things they wanted but didn’t have time when working and raising kids,” Gene Preudhomme adds. “They’re enjoying themselves.”
 
“Retirement now is to do something physical,” Gil says.
 
Why wait for retirement or a move to a new location? Get physical with us starting today!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Learn more here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.