AGE AND FITNESS & WHAT I'VE LEARNED AS AN ATHLETE
I want to talk about the elephant in the room: Aging.
Peaked? Anomaly? Rare? Good genetics? Not sure, but I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. And since turning 40 I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked when I’m planning on slowing down. Or, if my body hurts. Or, if I’m “okay” doing what I’m doing. Or, omg Laur, I thought you were like, 30…how many good years do you think you have left!? GOOD years left? Honestly, I’ve been at this for so long I feel like I’m just hitting my stride. People’s comments always take me by surprise because I feel exactly the same or better as I did over a decade ago... and of course I’m still 28 in my mind.
As an athlete, I challenge my body everyday using my mind. We’re taught that we have a timeline. The truth is, we all age (and it's a privilege) but that doesn’t mean we have to stop moving. Our bodies can truly adapt to anything. Even age.
Physical decline is a really slow process, it's not a trap door. In my opinion, humans have it all wrong. You don't stop living at 40, 40 is a step up. You're more intelligent and wise then when you're 20-30 and with proper wellness, diet and training you can be even stronger. I truly believe you have two options. 1. You can train your body and your brain to believe in yourself and to keep going and it will, or 2. You can act like you have one foot in the grave and that physical decline will happen faster.
Unfortunately, in our society, age is commonly used as an excuse or talked about as a handicap. This reinforces the mindset of having one foot in the grave for so many people, versus allowing them to reach their full potential. I have always hated to see my clients stop believing in their potential because they’ve hit 40. And it drives me crazy to see how the media portrays athletes who excel at 40+. They’re only FORTY. They are still in their prime physically as an athlete because they work hard and take care of themselves. When I see the media talk about Tom Brady, Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Serena, Chellsie Memmel, gymnast and mom of two, 32... whether their breaking records or not, there’s always a number attached. This repeatedly reinforces the mindset that age is a handicap and makes it harder for most people to believe in their own abilities.
Fitness is almost entirely mental. Your body won’t go where your mind won’t push it. Train your body and your brain to believe in yourself and to keep going and you will.