Now is the season for homegrown tomatoes and peaches, and if you’ve never tried the two together, you’re in for a treat. This simple salad, adapted from a recipe by Bill Smith in Southern Living, has all the flavors of a BLT without the bread, with a surprise burst of tangy sweetness that brings out the best in the tomatoes. If you don’t eat bacon, feel free to use a plant-based substitute or use sliced, toasted almonds instead. Serves 4-6. – Susan Puckett

Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, marjoram, or parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad:

• 4 to 6 medium-sized firm ripe peaches, unpeeled
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds mixed cherry and beefsteak heirloom tomatoes (or any ripe summer tomato)
• 4 ounces baby arugula or Little Gem lettuce
• 8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup), or plant-based substitute
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: At least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days ahead) before serving, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and yogurt in a small bowl until well combined. Stir in the herbs. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
2. Meanwhile, make the salad: Slice the peaches into ½ to 1-inch wedges. (These can be covered and chilled up to a day ahead of time.) Just before serving, slice the beefsteak tomatoes into ½- to 1-inch wedges and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Sprinkle the tomatoes evenly with the remaining salt and set aside. 
3. Assemble the salads: Divide the lettuce evenly among 4 to 6 plates. Arrange the tomatoes and peaches on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle with the bacon. Drizzle each salad with 2 tablespoons of dressing and garnish with additional herbs, if desired. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.  

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.

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.

Jay Clark sees a similarity between fear and faith.

They are both based on the belief in a future that hasn’t happened yet.

“Fear believes in a negative future; faith believes in a positive future,” says Jay, 61, a positivity speaker who advises non-profits.

“So, we want to drive people towards having faith that they can get through the hard times. I think it’s just this idea that positivity really will give you the energy to keep going when things are difficult.”

Did you know that having a positive outlook can improve your health and extend your longevity? A Yale University study found that people with positive attitudes about aging live seven and a half years longer.

Over the last 70 years or so, more than 24 million copies have been sold of “The Power of Positive Thinking.”

In business, having a positive attitude fosters a more productive and engaging work environment, helps solve problems, and enhances a positive work environment.

For anyone trying to get or stay fit, staying positive can make all the difference. 

Positivity needs to be based on realistic goals, consistent effort, and the adult realization that some days will be better than others.

Jay says, “I’m a disciple of the positivity you need to get through difficult and tough situations, so when those confront us, as they inevitably will, you’re prepared to keep moving forward.”

Choose your future.

Hear more from Jay on the Optimal Aging podcast.

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.

Darlene Sims’s doctor recently told her she was on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes and should start taking medication.

Darlene, a 58-year-old educator, said No way.

“I convinced my doctor to give me six months to take care of this through diet and exercise,” says Darlene. “And I’m getting there.”

Darlene’s fitness journey is just beginning. However, it is one that many people can relate to after the age of 50, 60, or 70.

She wasn’t familiar with fitness, having devoted herself to family and career for decades.

But then came that catalyst, the warning from her doctor, and Darlene’s strong reaction against being dependent on medication when she could do something about it, instead.

This kind of event is common later in life. Maybe you’ve experienced something like it.

• You get winded just walking to the mailbox.
• You can’t travel in retirement like you’d dreamed because you’re overweight and out of shape.
• You can’t get on the floor and play with your grandkids.

It’s after this sad realization that many of us do what Darlene did.

We say, “No way.”

She’s Not Alone
According to a 2022 AARP survey, 75% of adults over 50 report wanting to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible, and more than half express concern about losing mobility and strength as they age.

At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4 in 5 older adults have at least one chronic health condition. Many of them are preventable or manageable through exercise and nutrition.

For many people, the turning point comes clearly, and they become determined to feel better, avoid medication, stay active, and enjoy life.

However, many older adults, like Darlene, don’t know where to start. They feel intimidated by traditional gyms, unsure of what exercises are safe, or discouraged by fitness marketing that seems aimed at younger people.

That’s why we create welcoming spaces, inclusive programming, and positive messaging that supports people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. It helps more people like Darlene say, “No way,” and start making meaningful changes on their terms, in their time.

She’s on the Move Now
Since that visit to the doctor, Darlene has begun walking, aiming for the coveted 10,000 steps a day.
She took her first Pilates class in the park near her home.

And she was beaming after her first yoga class, also outdoors, in her townhome community.

She tried a big-box gym but doesn’t like it much, preferring coaching and structure as a newbie.

“I prefer to be outdoors rather than in a gym,” she says. “I’m just trying to figure out something I like that doesn’t feel like a chore. I’m figuring myself out.”

Now, that sounds like a terrific project for anyone at any age. Here’s to finding yourself and improving your health and fitness! Call us today to get started on your path now.

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

Sometimes, we might struggle to fall asleep due to stiff joints or tight muscles. We might wake up with aches in our hips, back, or feet.

A few simple bedtime habits can lead to significant improvement.

“Many of the people I work with just assume pain at night is part of aging,” physical therapist Shayna Gross says. “But often, it’s about how you prepare your body for sleep.”

Here are her top three tips to reduce pain and improve your sleep:

1. Stretch Your Hips and Lower Back
Gentle stretches, such as a figure-four or child’s pose, can help loosen tight muscles and ease joint tension. Just a few minutes before bed can go a long way.

2. Roll Your Feet on a Ball
Use a lacrosse ball, a massage ball, or even a tennis ball. This stimulates your fascia (connective tissue) and can help calm your nervous system, promoting a more relaxed whole body.

3. Adjust Your Pillow Placement
Support your joints while you sleep. Try placing a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper, behind your back for support, or under your ankles to reduce strain on your lower body.

“Small movements can lead to better rest and less pain in the morning,” Shayna says.

Keep moving throughout the day and include resistance training if you really want to move, feel, and look better.

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.

It’s hard to go wrong with chips and salsa for a party snack that’s quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This version, slightly adapted from the EatingWell website and based on a Texas classic that has recently gone viral on TikTok, takes the spicy dip to another level.

Here, the fundamental ingredients of tomato, onion, chilies, and citrus are bolstered by protein-rich beans and corn, making it a light but filling side or main dish.  Not only is it heart-healthy, but it also fits into virtually any diet, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Serves 12 to 16 as an appetizer or 4 to 6 as a light main course or side dish. — Susan Puckett

Ingredients

• ¼ cup avocado or other neutral oil
• ¼ cup lime juice (2 or 3 limes)
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 ears), or frozen, thawed kernels
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1medium red onion, finely chopped
• ¾ cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, stemmed and finely chopped (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• Salt to taste 
• Blue or yellow corn tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and honey. 
2. Add the beans, corn, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, cilantro, scallions, and jalapeno and stir to combine. Add salt to taste and stir again. 
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 days. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving if chilled for more than a couple of hours.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.

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.

Summer’s here — and while the sunshine lifts our spirits and invites us outdoors, it’s also a time to stay smart about our health and safety.
 
Here’s a refresher on staying safe, strong, and comfortable all season long.
 
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Drink plenty of water — even before you feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up on you in the heat, especially during outdoor activities. Aim for 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. Add fruit or cucumber slices to a pitcher for a refreshing twist.
 
Time your activity wisely.
Early morning or late evening is best for gardening, walking, or other physical activity. Avoid the midday heat whenever possible. If you’re outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat, and don’t forget the sunscreen — SPF 30 to 50, broad-spectrum, and reapplied often.
 
Know the warning signs.
Watch for dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or cramps — signs of heat exhaustion that can lead to heat stroke. If you feel unwell, stop and cool down right away.
 
Win the mosquito battle.
Empty standing water around the yard and use repellents approved by the CDC. Yellow-tinted bulbs attract fewer bugs for outdoor lighting.
 
Eat fresh, sleep well, and go easy on alcohol.
Summer produce is at its peak — enjoy it! And rest is essential, especially during extreme heat.
 
We’re here to help.
Our gym is cool, safe, and welcoming all summer long. Come in, cool down, and keep moving!

Fitness over 50 knows no boundaries. Let’s get it! 

At Your Personal Best Training Studio, our Functional Aging Specialists will improve your balance, functional strength, and endurance. 

Start now by trying our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

We’re six months into 2025. That might bring one of two reactions to your fitness goals:

1.“Wow, I’m crushing it.”

2.“Wait… wasn’t I going to finally start [fill in the blank]?”

Whichever one sounds like you, here’s the good news:

It’s not too late. Not even close.

Now is the perfect time to reset or recommit, whether you’re building on a strong first half or just now ready to make a change. 

Here are 25 simple, powerful things anyone can do to live a healthier, more energetic second half of the year.

Pick a few. Or try them all.

25 Steps to a Healthier You

1. Move every day. It doesn’t have to be at the gym. Walk the dog, dance in the kitchen, stretch before bed. Just move.
2. Limit calories if you’re trying to lose weight. Calories in vs. calories out. It is that simple.
3. More fruits and veggies, less candy and chips.
4. More lean protein, fewer candy bars and donuts.
5. More water, less alcohol and soda (yes, even diet).
6. Lift weights. People over 50 should strength train 2–3 times a week.
7. Don’t eat in front of the TV. Mindless eating = more eating.
8. Consider hiring a trainer. It’s not just for athletes. It’s for anyone who wants support, accountability, and results. Talk to us about options.
9. Or enroll in small-group personal training. Built-in motivation and community.
10. Discuss your goals with your trainer. Want to hike with your grandkids? Travel with ease? Be specific.
11. Also, share your concerns. A good trainer can adapt to injuries, health conditions, or confidence levels.
12. Tell your loved ones you love them. Every day.
13. Meditate, pray, or practice mindfulness. Even a few minutes helps.
14. Do the thing. Yes, that thing you’ve been avoiding.
15. Focus on losing fat, not just weight. Strength and body composition are better measures of health than the scale.
16. Sleep well. Recovery is where the magic happens.
17. Remember, exercise is the miracle drug. It helps every system in your body — and your brain, too.
18. Practice gratitude. Every day you can move is a gift.
19. Remember, exercise is fun. Or at least it can be! Try new things, find your joy.
20. Get outside. Sunshine, fresh air, nature — they do a body (and mind) good.
21. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially in summer.
22. Read a book. And take a break from doomscrolling for a bit.
23. How do you? You’re the expert on your own life. Trust that.
24. Schedule your workouts like any necessary appointment because they are.
25. Don’t go it alone. Partner up, join a group, talk to us. You’re not in this by yourself.

We’re here when you’re ready, whether that means answering a question, showing you around, or helping you take that first step, or your hundredth.

Make this your healthiest year yet. You’ve still got plenty of time. Call us today!

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.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, headed to a potluck, or feeding a gathering at the beach, here’s a crowd-pleaser that works as a lean and refreshing entrée, as well as a high-protein appetizer on a toothpick. Lightly adapted from “The Beach House Cookbook: Easy Breezy Recipes with a Southern Accent” by New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews (St. Martin’s Press, 2017), it requires minimal effort and can be made early in the day or even the night before. And while fresh-caught, shell-on shrimp are ideal, even peeled, frozen ones from the supermarket will taste fresh from the sea after a leisurely soak in this flavor-packed marinade. Serves 6 to 8 as an entrée; 12 or more as an appetizer.  – Susan Puckett

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 2 bell peppers, preferably different colors, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced in ¼-inch-thick rounds
• 1 leek, white and light green part only, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can navy or other white beans and their liquid (do not drain)
• 2/3 cup orzo
• 2/3 cup pitted olives
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon miso or nutritional yeast
• 2 ½ cups lightly packed basil leaves, torn, plus a few for garnish
• Juice of   ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste  

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large (12-inch in diameter) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until softened, then add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds more.
2. Stir in the peppers, zucchini, and leek, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes, or until just softened. Add the tomatoes, beans and their liquid, the orzo, olives, paprika, miso, basil, a big pinch of salt, and a generous grinding of pepper. Stir until the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the sauce and the orzo is evenly dispersed.
3.  Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Then turn off the heat and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, or until the orzo fully cooks and absorbs the stock. 
4. Squeeze the lemon juice over it all and serve.

Fitness over 50 knows no boundaries. Let’s get it! 

At Your Personal Best Training Studio, our Functional Aging Specialists will improve your balance, functional strength, and endurance. 

Start now by trying our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

Want to know the secret to long-term fitness success after 50?

It’s not willpower. Not motivation. Not even the perfect workout plan.

It’s consistency.

Study after study shows that people who stay active as they age aren’t necessarily doing the most intense workouts or spending the most time at the gym. They’re the ones who show up regularly, week after week, year after year.

And consistency doesn’t mean perfection. Life happens. You miss a workout, take a vacation, or get sidelined by injury. What matters most is your ability to get back on track and keep moving forward.
That steady, repeated effort leads to powerful outcomes:

• Stronger muscles and bones
• Better balance and mobility
• Reduced risk of chronic disease
• Improved cognitive function
• And yes, longer life

A 2023 study in JAMA Network Open found that people who engaged in regular moderate-to-vigorous activity had up to a 39% lower risk of early death compared to their less active peers. And the key variable? Not intensity. Frequency.

So don’t worry about doing everything perfectly. Focus on doing something consistently.
Start small. Build routines. Celebrate the habit, not just the outcome.

Because when it comes to aging well, the most critical exercise is the one you’ll keep doing.

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.

There are no “small” wins here.

Every victory counts.

Those are essential examples of incremental progress, and recognizing them is super-important. We can get so lost when we focus strictly on the Big Prize that we get frustrated and want to quit.

• “I’m not losing 25 pounds right away!”
• “I’m still not ready for that hiking trip!”
• “My body fat percentage isn’t budging!”

But lasting success is built one step at a time. Recognizing those steps is a powerful tool for staying motivated, building confidence, and maintaining consistency.

Why Small Wins Matter
Small victories keep us moving forward, and that’s not just us being cheerleaders. They remind us that progress is happening, even when we can’t always see dramatic changes.

Think about these examples:

• The first time you walk up the stairs without stopping.
• Sleeping better after starting a regular exercise routine.
• Lifting your grandchild without worrying about your back.
• Feeling steadier on your feet than you did six months ago.

These might not seem like headline-grabbing accomplishments. But to your long-term health and your can-do spirit, they’re huge.

Research shows that focusing on small achievements boosts motivation and helps individuals maintain healthy habits. In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that “small wins” trigger positive emotions and increase engagement, making people more likely to continue working toward their goals.

There’s also science behind how your brain responds to progress. Each time you achieve a goal — even a tiny one — your brain releases dopamine. That’s the feel-good chemical that reinforces positive behavior and keeps you coming back for more.

Over time, this creates a powerful feedback loop. Instead of chasing perfection, you’re fueled by steady improvement. And that’s what builds lasting change.

Seek Progress, Not Perfection

Fitness isn’t a straight line, and you know by now that nothing important comes quickly and easily.

Life happens. There will be days when you feel strong, and days when you don’t. That’s normal — and it’s why we encourage you to notice and celebrate every win.

Sometimes the most significant success is simply showing up.

Compare this kind of positive thinking to the opposite. What type of behavior are you encouraging when you’re down on yourself all the time?

“I’m not good enough” is not helpful!

Try, “I’m getting there,” instead.

And remember the principle behind the book “The Gap and the Gain.” When you’re feeling discouraged about how far you have to go, turn around to see where you started and how far you’ve already come.

We’re here to help you recognize the victories you might not even notice yourself. We see your consistency, effort, and kick-butt mindset.

So, let’s keep celebrating you – one win at a time.

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.