You might not associate workouts with intimacy. But with September designated as World Sexual Health Month, it’s a good time to consider how much they help.

According to one study, higher levels of aerobic exercise can improve sexual performance, stamina, and desire among men and women alike. And more exercise brings more benefits.

For example, among the fit group of people who participated, vigorous running reduced the risk of sexual dysfunction by 25 percent for men and 30 percent for women.

If you’re stronger, more agile, and have better stamina, then chances are you’re going to have a better sex life.

Part of this is just simple physiology: When you’re in good cardiovascular shape, blood flows better throughout the body, including your sexual zones.

More evidence shows how physical activity and other lifestyle factors “may offer some protection against sexual problems,” another study reports. “To stay healthy or to improve health, older adults need to do two types of physical activity each week: aerobic and strength exercises.”

We’re happy to share all the reasons to care for yourself as you age, including this one. 

“Contrary to common myths, sex isn’t just for the young. Many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality into their 80s and beyond,” the Mayo Clinic says. “A healthy sex life not only is fulfilling but also is good for other aspects of your life, including your physical health and self-esteem.”

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!

Ricky Banks is a walking advertisement for fitness over 50 – which makes sense since he owns two gyms in his late 50s.
 
But it became more important than ever after a near-fatal medical emergency a couple of years ago. Doctors and Ricky believe his healthy lifestyle helped him survive the loss of blood, the surgery, and the medically induced coma of his ordeal.
 
“The doctor said my health level and fitness level had much to do with my survival and recovery – my heart rate, my blood pressure, and not being obese,” Ricky recalls. 
 
Anyone over 50 should take this as another reason to stay healthy by exercising and eating right.
 
Being fit improves your chances of surviving common health scares and complications. If you want to bounce back from surgery, your chances go up exponentially if you stay at a healthy weight, keep your blood pressure where it should be, eat right, and exercise.
 
A Simple Way of Putting It
 
You don’t have to be as muscular as Ricky for these benefits to help you before, during, and after surgery or other medical challenge. The same is true for more common over-50 procedures like joint replacements.
 
“Better fitness levels reduce complications when having an operation,” says the National Health Service of Scotland. “This is because your body can cope better with the stress of the operation. This improves your chances of avoiding complications, allowing you to leave the hospital and return to your normal quality of life more quickly. 
 
“Keeping an active lifestyle is good for your general health, and if you are normally an active person, it is important to keep that up before your operation. People with low activity levels can improve their fitness within as little as four weeks by regular exercise.”
 
A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that mature adults who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer a disability and more likely to recover faster.
 
The National Institutes for Health concludes that exercise before and after surgery is essential for ensuring its success in older people.
 
Ricky’s amazing story
 
Ricky woke up distressed at about 2 a.m., passed blood in his urine, and was rushed to a hospital, passing out before he arrived.
 
His old problem of bleeding ulcers had returned with a vengeance. Doctors used more than two dozen pints of blood and put him into a coma to find the source of the bleeding and stop it. 
 
They gave Ricky a 50- 50 chance of surviving. But because of his heart health, his weight, and his fitness level, he pulled through.
 
“People say, ‘Ricky, you look like you haven’t been through anything,’” he says. “This has made me appreciate my body and how I take care of it. I tell people, ‘I understand, you’ve got to live your life. But be responsible.’”

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.

We’re often asked if just walking isn’t “good enough” for people over 50.

The short answer is: Nope. Sorry, but it’s not.

Walking IS an excellent first step – pun intended. So, if you’re considering starting an exercise program, then yes – get up and walk. Or, if you’ve already been walking more than usual, then now is the time to take that next step.

Strength training, for instance, can’t be ignored later in life.

First, here’s what’s so great about walking. It’s easy for most people, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with no special equipment other than a good pair of shoes. You can even burn around 300 calories an hour – more if you increase the speed or add some hills to tax your glutes, hamstrings, and calves a bit more, and that’s always a good thing. 

A consistent routine can lead to weight loss, up to 15 pounds a year for someone just starting. So that’s an excellent start, but realize that you’ll have to increase the intensity or duration for continued weight loss, like any other routine.

That might mean incorporating some intervals – jogging for 1 minute of every 5 or 10 minutes of walking, for example. Gradually increase the time you’re jogging. You might even add some light hand weights for a more significant challenge. 

Walk at a brisk pace so that a prolonged conversation is a challenge. That’s the pace needed to improve blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. 

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.

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

People are living longer than ever before and working longer, with many maintaining jobs after 50 that allow them to travel regularly.

That can make fitness extra challenging for active adults still enjoying their demanding careers. Steady business travel can mean long days, restless nights, little incentive to exercise, and eating heavy meals in restaurants or lousy ones at conferences. In short, it can be a quick route to weight gain and other unhealthy outcomes.

Tim Johnson learned that first-hand in his 40s, when his sales job started taking him away for three days a week, and he quickly gained 40 pounds.

“The clients want to go to the best restaurants, and you don’t want to be ‘the salad guy,’” explains Tim, who flies for business three days a week, almost every week of the year. “You have to be focused and know when to say no. People ask me how I stay so slim at my age and travel so much. You have to be committed to it.”

You also have to learn which hotels have good gyms. Some advertise “exercise facilities” that are a closet with an old treadmill. But many business hotels know that corporate travelers demand a place to work out while they’re away from home, and you can find those gyms pretty easily, Tim has learned.

When you’re stuck somewhere with little to offer, ask the front desk if the hotel has an agreement with a local gym or if there’s one nearby.

Weather permitting, inquire about a local walking trail, even in an urban environment. It’s a great way to get your steps in and explore the city.

Tim has picked up tons of tips over the years. He’s 55 now and stays at a trim 185 pounds on his 6’1” frame. The physical vitality of exercise is key to his success as a happy road warrior. He advises:

• Use a trainer, at least when you’re starting, and ask for workouts to take with you and perform alone.
• Watch YouTube videos with dumbbell workouts since barbells are rare in hotel gyms.
• Schedule the day and time of your exercise while traveling so it doesn’t get away from you.
• Keep workouts short and focused. You can get in the epic, full-body sessions at home.
• Pack water and healthy snacks in your carry-on bag.
• Avoid the hotel bar, but find a healthy way to relax.
• Avoid hotel chains so that each city feels special. Book with a website that will let you accumulate points across brands.
• Explore each location’s museums, sporting venues, and other landmarks. It’s good for your mood and energy levels.

Tim speaks onstage frequently, and in his business, appearances are important. Working people over 50 know the subtle ways ageism can come into play. 

“It’s important that I don’t look like an old man,” he says. “I need to be energetic, motivated, motivational, and excited about my projects.”

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! 

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!

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!

Fresh tuna steaks are a worthy luxury: lean, protein-rich, and loaded with valuable nutrients, including anemia-preventing vitamin B-12 and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They’re as satisfying as a T-bone steak and a snap to prepare. This recipe, adapted from Ben Tish’s “Mediterra: Recipes from the Islands and Shores of the Mediterranean,” is a fantastic way to prepare them in the summertime, when tomatoes are at their season’s height. Serves 4. – Susan Puckett

Ingredients

• 18 ounces medium to large vine-ripe tomatoes, cored and halved across the width
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as desired)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed (or ¾ teaspoon ground)
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 (6-ounce) 1-inch-thick tuna steaks
• Leaves from a small bunch of basil 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the tomato halves on a large sheet pan, drizzle them with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and vinegar, then season them with garlic slices, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 25 minutes until the tomatoes begin to caramelize and release their juices.
3. Meanwhile, pat the tuna steaks dry and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet with 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. When hot, add the tuna steaks (in batches, if necessary) and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized on the outside but still pink inside. Transfer the tuna to a platter. If you prefer your steaks cooked all the way through, cook a few minutes longer. 
4. Allow the tuna to rest for a few minutes before serving. (The fish’s internal temperature will continue to rise a degree or two off the heat.) 
5. While the tuna rests, stir the basil leaves through the roasted tomatoes. Divide the tomatoes among individual plates, then top each portion with a tuna steak and drizzle with the tomato-vinegar juices.

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.

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.