NOTHING BUT A NUMBER

Everyone has heard the age-old adage, “age is nothing but a number,” but usually when you hear this it’s in the context of dating. You know when one person is 20 years older or younger than their love interest, and they make this statement to justify their decision to be in that relationship. Well, I believe that little phrase transcends into many other areas of life. But for right now, I am talking about one specifically and that’s training. Lillie Cagle, age 68 has been training with me now for approximately three years. Prior to training Lillie, my approach with anyone over the age of 50 was to treat them like a fragile flower, being very conservative with their workouts, and keeping the exercises very basic. I am sure that I wasn’t alone in thinking that you have to be very careful, because anyone over the age of 50 is ready to have a heart attack at any moment despite how healthy their doctor says they are. Post Lillie… my outlook has changed. I often refer to Lillie as my Hero. She can do over 10 pushups, do 10 chin ups (no kipping or assist), deadlift 175 pounds (she weighs 113 lbs.), and get through a Tabata class with no break.  These are feats that most 20 year olds can’t do, guy or girl.  I have been enlightened, and I am a little ashamed at my ignorance prior to meeting and working with Lillie. It really comes down to the individual and has very little to do with age. Now obviously, I wouldn’t suggest that anyone over the age of 50 take up Parkour or bull riding… or would I? See, there I go again, I truly believe now the sky is the limit. Recently I watched a program on the Discovery Channel regarding monks in china, as I sat there in amazement, I watched an eighty year old do some of the most physically challenging things I have ever seen anyone do. Not only was I amazed, but it reassured me that my new found thinking was right on point. Was it shear coincidence or was it the universe in its entire miraculous splendor confirming my new outlook? What ever it was, I will never judge or categorize a client based on their age again. Now, I am not saying if I got a new client tomorrow who is 70 that I would make them go out and run a Triathlon, nor would I do that to a 20 year old. However, I would asses that 70 year old’s physical condition like everyone else’s and tailor their training based on those results.  The difference now is that I would not limit their training sessions to basic exercises if that individual is showing the strength and agility to move into more difficult and physically demanding exercises. So, in closing I want to take the time to thank one of my Hero’s, Lillie Cagle for opening my eyes…thank you.