Fitness Tips From Older Folk !

It's unfortunate that a lot of people believe exercise is for the young, and that "old folks" are destined to be frail and weak.
Obviously that's just not true. In fact, if you're not yet elderly yourself but would like some instant workout inspiration: try exercising with a bunch of senior citizens. I did recently, and here are five tips I got from watching, listening, and trying to keep up with these folks.
So I've been living temporarily in a retirement community to help care for a family member. And I have to confess I was hesitant about using their fitness center. But when I did, I discovered the equipment was top notch and I fit in just fine! I also learned:
1. 'Old' Doesn't Mean Weak if You Keep Active
It's another to watch a guy who looks 90 sprinting like an Olympian on the treadmill, or to see a 70-ish woman doing squats balancing an enormous barbell.
Seriously, some of the seniors were amazing. It made me double my resolve to keep challenging myself as I get older.

2. Injuries or Disabilities Don't Have to Mean Inactivity
There were plenty of folks who looked like they were recovering from a stroke, or who had serious mobility issues. If they couldn't run, they walked. If they couldn't walk much, they sat and pedaled with their arms. What they didn't do was stay home and watch tv and wish things were different.
Many of us younger folks who get all sulky and refuse to work out if an injury prevents us from doing our favorite activities could take a lesson from these guys.

3. Take the Time to Ask For Help
There were all kinds of machines I'd never seen before. Yet every machine was getting some serious use, because almost everyone there had asked staff members to show them how to use the equipment properly.
Those who were doing free weights were using proper form; people knew what equipment they needed to sign up for and everyone seemed to follow proper protocol for wiping down machines, etc.
In contrast, I've noticed that lots of younger folks hate to ask for help--we often either miss out on cool machines or injure ourselves by using them incorrectly.

4. Fit and Friendly
There was quite a few more friendly conversations between exercisers than I notice at most gyms, and I realized that many seniors were combining their workout time with social time. (I couldn't help overhearing some of these conversations, and learned quite a bit more about colonoscopy procedures than I ever wanted to know).
How many of us younger folks put out a "please don't talk to me" vibe? I know sometimes I do--but the pleasant atmosphere of this gym made me think twice about that. I had quite a few more conversations than I normally would--it made the time go faster, and none of these nice chats got in the way of getting my exercise done.

There is a series of posters at this gym with this slogan, and the pictures are of buffed elders who look like they could take on any challenge.
But... our bodies will fail us eventually; no matter how much we try to do to prevent it. Some people seemed overwhelmed by the aging process, while others tackle it with grace and humor and a sense of purpose.