“I don’t have time.”

“I’m too busy.”

“Maybe later when there’s not so much going on.”

We hear this throughout the year. “I don’t have time” is why people don’t exercise.

Believe it or not, the holidays could be the PERFECT time to start working out for many of you.

“It’s so easy to say you’re too busy during the holidays, so you’ll wait until the new year,” says longtime fitness coach and entrepreneur Rick Mayo.

“Flip the script and do it now,” Rick says. “Use this as an opportunity more than an obstacle to say, ‘I’m going to work out during the holidays, and this will pay massive dividends in the future,’ because there are going to be other seasons of life that are busy.”

Plus, exercise helps you manage stress. And you’ll be ahead of the New Year’s Resolution rush!

Rick has two other suggestions we like for making it through this hectic time:

1. Move your body more every day. Get up and walk, dance… whatever. “Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be quantified. Just move.”
2. Prioritize protein. Focus on protein first, which helps you feel full and keeps your energy levels sustained. Then add vegetables on the side. Don’t head into a meal hungry when you’re likely to go for high-carb sides and drinks.

Why wait for the New Year’s when you can start now and have a strong foundation going into the new year? Our 21-Day Strength and Longevity program is a great way to get started.

Simple steps to success lead to happy holidays!

Ever heard someone say something like this? “Oh, he’s a very handsome man for his age.”

What about: “I don’t like waiting on old people because they’re so tight with their money.”

These are all part of the persistent myths attached to people over 50. But like many myths, they’re wrong for the millions and millions of active agers who are fit and determined to enjoy life as long as possible.

We’re here to help you do the same. So, let’s shake off some nonsense today!

Focus on Function, Not Age

Cody Sipe, a professor and co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute, fights ageism and focuses on functional ability rather than someone’s age.

He points out a few of the common false myths.

• Older people should never lift weights. In fact, not only can most mature people lift weights, but they should lift weights. Strength training builds muscle mass, which we lose as we age. And it protects bone health.
• Walking is good enough. Walking and jogging are excellent first steps – but we must do more. That includes strength, cardio endurance, balance, and mobility.
• You’ll hurt yourself if you exercise. Wrong, Sitting around the house all day is more dangerous than moving your body with purpose.

Marketing Misses the Boat

Marketing guru Jeff Weiss of Age of Majority has myths about “active aging.” All kinds of industries are missing out on the economic power of this demographic, to everyone’s harm.

Here are a few. Which ones ring a bell?

Myth: Getting older is depressing, and you have nothing to live for.
Truth: Consumers are happiest between 65 and 79. Active agers have the time, money, and desire to explore their sense of adventure.

Myth: Seniors don’t have money to spend.
Truth: Consumers over 55 control 70 percent of all wealth and account for 40 percent of consumer spending.

Myth: People are necessarily frail as they get older.
Truth: Exercise keeps us strong and limber throughout the stages of life.

Myth: Everyone longs to look younger.
Truth: People over 50, 60, and 70 who exercise feel better about their appearance than people 18 to 34.

Myth: Targeting older consumers could alienate younger ones.
Truth: Nonsense. Innovative businesses (like us!) engage in this lucrative market without worrying about alienating younger folks.

Myth: Active Agers are no longer productive in the workplace.
Truth: There is virtually no correlation between age and job performance.

Myth: Older consumers still rely heavily on traditional media when making purchasing decisions.
Truth: They use multiple digital and traditional channels on their “customer journeys.”

Myth: Oh, to Be Young Again…
Truth: Active agers embrace who they have become and are not longing to revisit their youth.

What myths annoy you the most? Which are still holding you back?

Don’t let annoying myths hold you back. Try our 21-Day Strength and Longevity Program, where our expert coaches can provide the truth and help you reach your fitness goals.

Fitness goals drive Jerry Mathis.

 They compel him to accomplish athletic feats that most people wouldn’t attempt – let alone most people who are 76 years old.

“If I just went to the gym to exercise without also having a goal in mind, I’m not sure how much progress I would make – in my physical abilities or mental,” says Jerry, a retired music teacher. “Part of what works for me is to have a goal. I enjoy it.”

Jerry recently completed two-thirds of his 2022 fitness goal. He ran a 5K obstacle course race and a 10K obstacle course race (on the same weekend), part of his planned “trifecta.” He aims to complete it with a half marathon-length race of more than 13 miles and 30 obstacles.

And he only ran his first obstacle course race last year, right before his 75th birthday.

“They’re addictive, believe it or not,” he says. “If you do one, you want to do another.”

Goals Are a Proven Way to Succeed

What kind of goals do you have for your fitness and health? They don’t have to involve running races or climbing obstacles like Jerry’s.

Some people want to exercise to improve at golf, tennis, or other sports.

Others want to lose a certain amount of weight – or lift a certain amount of weight.

Maybe you want to lower your blood pressure or risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The motivations are endless, and it doesn’t matter your choice.

But we know that setting goals helps by:

• Providing motivation and accountability
• Developing plans to make the gains you want to achieve
• Managing your time and other commitments
• Setting expectations – and seeing your progress along the way

Some people apply a tool from business, making SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.

A ‘Trifecta’ by the End of the Year

Jerry works out at the gym with a trainer on his core, balance, strength, and cardio. His trainer stresses the importance of setting intentions and reaching them. A few years ago, it was to jump a certain height and the next to deadlift a certain weight.

“He has put me on these goals, and so far, we’ve reached them,” Jerry says.

This year aimed to complete the three races of varying distances. Jerry ran the shorter two in October and is now preparing for the half-marathon. It will be just a couple of months before Jerry’s 77th birthday, and he still has no plans to quit exercising and be sedentary instead.

“I can’t do that,” he says. “That’s not my lifestyle. I don’t want to grow old sitting on the couch eating potato chips. I’ve got to be out doing something.

“This is crazy, but I hope I can go into my 80s doing this thing. I’ll give it a good try.”

> Are you working toward your fitness goals? Let us help. Our coaches have been helping men and women over fifty move better, feel better, and age actively. Try our 21-day strength and longevity program and reach your fitness goals.

Pickleball just keeps growing and growing – in popularity and in media attention.

It’s beyond trendy now, with some 5 million people playing, many of them active agers over 50 – and beyond.

So, it’s important to point out something that many folks might not realize:

Gym workouts make you a better pickleball player.

It’s true. If you want to have more endurance on the (smaller than tennis) court, more power in your swing, and more ability to make those shots – all the time smiling – then you need to come in here and join us for stretching, strength and endurance training.

Stretching to ‘feel wonderful’

Champ Barb Wintroub, 75, stays fit for the game and advocates for stretching.

“People are getting injured as they get older because they’re not stretching,” says Barb, a Pilates instructor in Southern California. “And they’re not standing up straight. I’m continuing to do that. And it makes a huge difference.”

She demonstrates in a YouTube video how to do squats for thighs and glutes, rotational twists for the obliques, and other stretches for arms and back. “All of these stretches are supposed to feel wonderful,” she says. If they hurt – stop.

Stretching is simple, and it’s easy to learn when we show you the right moves to help your game safely and effectively. So, come in and let’s show you how to warm up before playing and cool down after.

Tim Minnick, 79, of Austin, Texas, has been cited as the world’s oldest active personal trainer by Guinness.

Strong core and glutes are essential

“Core strength is critical in pickleball, especially rotational core strength,” like it is in tennis, golf, and other sports, Tim says. “That means the ability to rotate under control as well as stop rotation to be able to hit the ball and hit where you want to hit it.”

Tim suggests lunges with a pause for balance, and simple glute bridges, or hip raises, as demonstrated here.

Pickleball requires quick stops and starts, so it’s important to stay balanced. “That means leg strength is critical here, especially power from the largest muscle group in your body, the glute muscles, better known as the butt,” Tim says.

Working the glutes with us is important for any sports, including pickleball.

“They produce the power for successful athletic performance at any level,” Tim says.

To train for endurance? Tim recommends High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which has been proven in studies to be both effective and safe for mature athletes. HIIT means, as an example, that you run fast for a short time period – say 20 seconds – and then slow down for another time period, then repeat.

That’s how a game of pickleball goes, after all. And many games are played as part of tournaments.

“Cardiovascular fitness is critical to be able to play in tournaments,” Tim says. “It’s much more fun when you don’t have to stop and catch your breath all the time.”

>That’s true for everything in life, isn’t it? Come in to try our 21-day Strength and longevity program and keep having fun at any age!

Ricky Banks is a walking advertisement for fitness over 50 – which makes sense because he owns a successful gym and turned 57 this year.

But it’s true now more than ever after a near-fatal medical emergency this year. Doctors and Ricky believe his healthy lifestyle helped him survive the loss of blood, the s

surgery, and the medically induced coma of his ordeal.

“The doctor said my health level, my fitness level, had a lot to do with my survival and recovery – my heart rate, my blood pressure, not being obese,” Ricky recalls. “I do believe that played a major role in it.”

Ricky’s right. And anyone over 50 should take this as another reason why you need to stay in good physical condition by exercising and eating right.

Being fit improves your chances of surviving health scares and complications that are common after age 50 or so. If you want to bounce back from surgery – or avoid complications from a wicked virus-like Covid-19 – 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 challenges, even one as unexpected as what happened to him. The same is true for more common over-50 procedures like joint replacements.

“Better fitness levels reduce complications when having an operation,” as just one medical organization, the National Health Service of Scotland, explains. “This is because your body can cope better with the stress of the operation. In turn, 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 who have low activity levels can improve their fitness within as little as four weeks by taking regular exercise.”

Ricky’s amazing story

Ricky woke up distressed 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 2 dozen pints of blood and put him into a coma to find the source of the bleeding and stop it.

They gave Ricky 50-50 odds of surviving.

But because of Ricky’s heart health, weight, and fitness level, he pulled through.

Now, four months later, Rickey is back in good health, preparing to open a second location of his gym, and grateful that his latest chapter is proving inspirational for others.

“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.’”

Was it Freud who said we can’t get through the day without telling ourselves seven little lies?
Or was it a magazine quiz we read in the dentist’s office? Doesn’t matter! The point is: We all love to tell ourselves “harmless” fibs to avoid doing something we know we “should” do. It’s easier than confronting the truth and finding new, powerful motivation to make positive changes. So, in the spirit of countering common nonsense with simple truths, let’s look at seven common excuses people over 50 use to avoid taking care of themselves. If you’ve ever said any of these, call us today at (361)857-5087! We are here to help. Ready?

No. 1. “I hate exercise. It’s so boring.”We make sure “having fun” is a basic component of all our workouts, whether you’re starting
out or have been fit for years. The reason is simple: It IS fun! And if we can’t make it enjoyable
for newcomers, then we can’t expect them to come back, right? Maybe you hated high school
P.E. Time to let that go!

No. 2. “I’m too busy.”
Health experts say we all need to put in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio
exercise, plus two sessions of strength training, per week. You can break that up however you
like. If you think you don’t have 30 minutes FOR YOUR HEALTH, then put down your TV remote
and see how it frees up your calendar. Voila!

No. 3. “I can’t afford it.”
You can’t afford NOT to exercise, especially as you get older. And walking, jogging, gardening…
these activities cost nothing. Don’t assume exercise takes a ton of money any more than it
takes all your spare time.

No. 4. “I’m tired/injured/stressed/etc.”
Nothing will give you more energy than exercise – or help you move better, feel better and
sleep better. We can cite a thousand studies to show how working out improves mobility, joint
pain, blood pressure and more. If you think more time on the couch will somehow make you
start feeling better, then enjoy!

No. 5. “I’m too old.”
There is no age at which we can’t exercise and receive its benefits. Again, try this reverse-
psychology on yourself: Are you “too old” to smile? To feel good? To travel, enjoy hobbies, play
with grandkids, and maintain your independence? We didn’t think so. We’re here to show
anyone of any age or ability how to move effectively and safely.

No. 6. “I’m already thin.”
Congratulations…? We’re not talking about being skinny. We’re talking about being healthy –
about moving better, feeling better, and – yes – looking better. Health is SO MUCH MORE than
being “thin.” You need strength, stamina and agility to enjoy life on your own terms.

No. 7. “There’s no point.”
We want to help you take care of yourself, enjoy your body, and protect your health through
physical activity. Exercise is medicine; exercise is prevention; and exercise is life. Let’s help you
get back to living your best life today. We believe in you – and in our ability to share these
simple truths.

Befitting for a theatrical performer, Dan Grady’s fitness journey can be told in three acts.

• Act I: A talented youth trains for years among ballet’s elite, then begins a decade-long career dancing on Broadway.
• Act 2: After his dancing career ends, he grows frustrated with his body’s limitations and realizes change is essential in his attitude and action.
• Act 3: Now 60 and a successful psychotherapist, he has adapted to gym workouts to remain strong, limber, and with his competitive edge intact.

“It was my choice to stop performing, and that’s a luxury not everybody gets due to injuries,” Dan recalls. “Now, knowing that it’s my choice to continue working on my fitness is very empowering. It feels like a privilege.”

After reaching a certain age, we all wish our bodies could do what they used to. But, as Dan learned, it doesn’t work that way. His story offers three-pointers to keep in mind as we journey through life and aim to remain our best.

First, adjust expectations. In his early 40s, Dan remained active in dance classes – and frustrated when he couldn’t jump as high or turn as many rotations as he did in his 20s.

“Comparison wasn’t helpful. I realized I needed to adjust my expectations,” he says. “It was sobering.”

When he got into gym fitness, he found the changes were – surprise! — sometimes positive. “My abilities are ever-changing,” he says. “I can do some things today that I couldn’t do five years ago.”

Second, remain open to new activities. Dan kept finding new ways to challenge his body.

“When I started to feel I was getting a shoulder injury from lifting such heavy weight all the time, I realized: Do I really need to be doing Olympic-style weightlifting? The answer was no.”

He took up golf, tennis, and jogging during the pandemic shutdown.

Third, focus on the quality of movement. Dan’s success as a dancer was often measured quantifiably – and mercilessly. Later in the gym, it was the same approach. That had to change, too.

“I learned that progress is not always measured in many reps, the weight of dumbbells, the height of jumps…” he says. “It’s more satisfying to focus on the quality of the movement.”

Learning from the Best

Dan learned to be grateful and forward-thinking partly from the legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera when he danced with her in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in the 1990s.

“She never gave up,” he recalls. “She might not have been able to do at age 65 what she could at 25, but she always worked with what she could do.

“That’s the discipline for me – not allowing my mind to go into comparison,” he says. “I get better results and am more motivated when I’m compassionate with myself.”

>What can YOU do today? What would you like to be able to do next? Let us show you the way to healthy, active aging with our 21-Day Strength and Longevity Program – Guaranteed Results! (more…)

Success Story: She Overcame Her Dislike of Technology to Start Training Online

Helen Harris, 74, has no computer and hates her smartphone, using it as little as possible.

But she refuses to let her dislike of technology prevent her from staying in shape via online training sessions.

“I am open to new things – I am NOT an old fogey,” Helen says, emphatically resisting the myth that people “of a certain age” are afraid of digital communications or anything related to new ways of learning.

“I just don’t like the phone, and I don’t have a computer. I have lots of stuff to do. I take care of my animals. I work in the garden…”

Shortly after gyms and fitness studios had to close amid the coronavirus crisis, Helen’s coach called to ask how he could help her make the online transition.

She resisted.

He persisted.

“She was adamant that she could not go online, and this was too much to ask,” says her coach, JC. “I prodded her several times that I could help her.”

Finally, she submitted to his coaching – which took a couple of calls and tried both their patience.

“We just said we’ll keep pecking away at this until we get it done,” Helen recalls.

Eventually, she learned how to use her smartphone to participate in workouts via Zoom, a simple video conferencing tool that many fitness businesses are using.

Streaming our workouts into our client’s homes is a win-win solution. Same coach, same group, new and creative exercises using minimal equipment, and more!

Now? She’s grateful and excited.

“I do like what we’re doing right now with the LIVE classes,” she says. “It’s crucial. I would not exercise at all if it’s just me by myself.

“We have a great group of people… We play music, and still whine if it’s hard.”

She also gets in a safe and effective workout that’s good for her physically, mentally, and socially, says Helen, who is retired and lives alone.

Via the computer, her coach can see Helen and everyone else in the group training session. He tailors the workouts for each of them. Helen, for example, can’t do some floor exercises because of a chronic back issue, so J.C. gives her other movements to perform.

She even enjoys gathering everyday household items (cans of vegetables, a bleach bottle, even toilet paper) for workout props.

“It makes it more fun,” she says. “I like improvising. It excites my brain.”

The bottom line for Helen? She knows how important exercise is, and she’s committed to staying healthy and fit, regardless of the challenges.

“It’s what I need to do for my body – it’s for me. It’s my job,” Helen says. “It’s more important now to be active, take care of myself, and de-stress. An exercise session helps me with this.”

Coach JC is proud of Helen’s achievement. “She got pumped up to do something that she never thought she’d be able to tackle,” he says.

Helen’s advice to anyone else reluctant to take the time to learn how to train online?

“Just buckle up and do it,” Helen says. “If somebody like me can do it, anybody can.”

At Y.P.B., this global disruption became an opportunity to “give back” to our community and build relationships. It is easy once you get the hang of it, and my Team will go the extra mile to get you what you need, answer questions, etc.

Whether or not we are back in our studio when you read this, we WILL continue to STREAM our workouts LIVE 2-3 times per day M/W/F adjusting to the demand.

Try it yourself! Get 14 Days of Unlimited Live, Virtual Group Training Classes You Can Do From Anywhere! For more information http://www.landpage.co/14-day-trial-ypbtrainingstudio

You may also contact Lisa Wright, F.A.S., at Your Personal Best Training Studio. Call 361-857-5087 or visit ypbtrainingstudio.com Her full “How do We Ensure Functional Longevity” presentation is NOW available to watch online https://youtu.be/Alnz1SaXv5M

Byline

Meet Lisa

Lisa Grace Wright, C.F.T., F.A.S., is the C.E.O. of L.G.W. Fitness Inc., a published author, a functional aging specialist, and a business coach for the Functional Aging Institute. Through strategic planning and marketing consulting, she helps fitness business owners, from small studios to big box gyms, create a compelling and effective business plan to inspire an aging population to take action toward their health.

Over the last 20+ years, Lisa has built her brand, Your Personal Best in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has expanded her influence across the country, equipping others like herself who want to change lives and promote aging actively.

Success Story: How an Online Training Session Made a Believer Out of Me

I live in a small condo in the middle of a big city, with no room for workout equipment inside.

After the coronavirus hit a few weeks ago, I wanted to keep working out. I’m 56, and I’ve never gone two weeks without going to the gym. I was doubtful when I started hearing about gyms, studios, and trainers offering online workouts. I like weights, room to stretch, and cardio equipment.

Luckily, my city has miles of paths and plenty of beautiful parks right outside my door. And a friend in the fitness industry showed me how easy and effective at-home workouts can be.

Move Your Feet

Instead of driving almost every day to the gym, I started walking in the afternoons. I quickly got up to 4 miles at a pop, every other day.

It was good exercise, of course, and it felt wonderful to be outside and among people.

Seriously – birds were chirping, children were laughing, and the sunshine warmed my soul.

I remembered the physical and psychological benefits of walking. It doesn’t just make us feel good – it’s good for our bodies and it stimulates our minds.

Henry David Thoreau knew this: “The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.”

Science agrees. In one study, experts found participants who walked more saw an 81 percent rise on a key scale to measure divergent and convergent thinking, the two main components of creative thinking.

Bloom Where You’re Planted

I pushed the coffee table into the corner for my first tentative attempt at a home workout. It was OK, but I needed someone to help me make the most of it.

That’s when I got an email from Drew, a local trainer I’ve known for years but never used. He’s a nice guy with a sterling reputation and a cover-model physique. Plus, he was giving a free week, so I had nothing to lose.

So, on Monday morning, I put my laptop next to the TV, cleared my floor again, and logged on for the session, along with about 10 other people. (Zoom is a snap!) Drew told us to find a couple of cans of food and a heavy book or bottle of detergent, plus a small bench or ottoman.

He then led us through a challenging full-body workout. My heart rate was up. I was sweating. At a few points, I struggled to keep up.

Drew was there with gentle encouragement for me and the others, and I stuck with it – glad at the end that I did.

More Than Enough for Now

I didn’t go for a walk that day, but I’m still going to incorporate it into my routine, along with online workouts at home.

Walking is a great exercise, particularly for other people over 50 and especially now, since we’re all facing challenges to exercise or even just to move our bodies.

Meet the challenge. Between simple walking and the magic of the Internet, I did – and I’m so glad.

As difficult as life can be right now, we all have to take care of ourselves.

We got this, y’all. Stay strong.

The Coronavirus Crisis Is Changing Plenty – But Not Your Need for Exercise

People all over the world are having to make sacrifices because of the coronavirus. In just a few short days, the pandemic became the latest “new normal” affecting everything in our lives.

But here’s one thing it doesn’t change: You still need to exercise on a regular basis.

Move your body every day. “Social distancing” is not an excuse to eat Oreos on the couch and watch Netflix. This will all end someday, and you don’t want to be out of shape when that happens.

You also must continue to eat right, try to get proper sleep, and hydrate.

As you know, coronavirus has forced the closings of countless businesses, schools, entertainment facilities, restaurants, bars and, in many locations, gyms. New restrictions seem to come out each day.

As of right now, YOUR PERSONAL BEST TRAINING STUDIO is still open. We are continuing class as usual. We are also offering ZOOM online classes virtually for precautionary measures. So our clients have these two options depending on their preference.

Taking care of yourself is still important, maybe more so now than before. Remember, people over 60 are among those at higher risk of coronavirus infection. Take precautions to limit potential exposure. Talk to your doctor if you have medical questions.

A Reminder Why Exercise Is Crucial – Regardless

Exercise is crucial to healthy living after age 50. There is no asterisk (*) for periods of public health crises.

So, here are a few of the top reasons you must keep moving every day.

1. Exercise keeps you physically healthy and strong. It improves your balance and stamina. And it prevents the loss of muscle and bone, which happens as we age unless we fight back with fitness.
2. Exercise alleviates stress. And we’re all under more of it right now than normal. Sitting on the couch does absolutely nothing to help.
3. Exercise improves your mood, mental focus and memory.
4. It also fights depression, which could become more of a problem if this crisis continues for long.
5. It improves blood pressure and it limits the risk of diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

If You Go…

If you go to a gym or studio:

• Wash your hands before and after exercise.
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Wipe down equipment before and after use.
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
• Keep a 6-foot distance as much as possible.

Don’t go if you have any symptoms. Stay home. Consult your physician.

Your gym, studio or trainer should let you know about alternatives – online workouts, classes via Zoom or Skype, etc.

Ask them. Email, text, phone… read their websites… do something to find out if you don’t hear from them directly.

They’re here to help, even if their doors can’t be open.

If you need more information feel free to give us a call at 361-857-5087

Links to help you stay informed:

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization 

• Do This, But Don’t Do That, from washing hands to cleaning house, from WebMD
• Myths and misinformation (no, essential oils and garlic don’t help)

A fun list of songs to sing while washing your hands