Summary

An 80-year-old writer shares their personal journey of weight loss, fitness, and the challenges and motivations behind staying in shape at an advanced age.

Abstract

The author, an 80-year-old fitness enthusiast and writer, candidly discusses the ups and downs of maintaining fitness later in life. Despite being a self-proclaimed "backsliding workout junkie," they have repeatedly managed to lose weight and regain fitness through diet and exercise, defying the notion that age is a barrier. After a recent weight gain, the author was inspired by a physically demanding outing with their daughter and her dog to return to the gym and incorporate weight training and cardio into their routine. They emphasize the importance of self-motivation, the joy of weightlifting, and the role of muscle memory in their fitness journey. The author invites readers to join them in getting fit, while acknowledging that not everyone has the same opportunities for exercise, and draws inspiration from others who overcome physical challenges, such as someone with MS who set a goal to walk six blocks.

Opinions

The author believes that age should not be a deterrent to fitness and weight loss.
They express a personal struggle with maintaining a consistent exercise routine and healthy diet, often triggered by moments of self-realization.
The author finds motivation through personal challenges, such as fitting into clothing or keeping up with family.
They enjoy weightlifting and the sense of accomplishment it brings, preferring it over other forms of exercise.
The author acknowledges the privilege of being able to engage in fitness activities at an advanced age and uses their experience to motivate others.
They admit to periods of self-indulgence and the necessity of pushing back against unhealthy habits.
The author values accountability and uses writing as a tool to stay committed to their fitness goals.
They find inspiration in the stories of others who persevere through health challenges, suggesting that inspiration can come from many sources.

Pumping Iron At 80 Years Old

Can I lose some weight and get fit when I’m officially over the hill? If I can, you can. Issuing a challenge to get off your couch for an act of self-love as well as some fun and fitness.

I’m a backsliding workout junkie. Usually, a scare at the scale or the department store fitting room signals my weight has ballooned again. That news pushes me back to the gym, and I make another effort to get fit.

Usually, it works. I’m the type of person who gains weight if I eat too much and sit too much. Occupationsal hazard for a writer. But if I get off my duff and move it, then cut out sugar and other high-calorie foods for a while, I’m back in my favorite jeans.

Of course, finding the motivation to stick to a program, any program, is another story. That’s where a scare on the scale or a three-way mirror does the job.

I’m a yo-yo weight-gainer and loser, and when I turned 65 give or take, I’d convinced myself I was too old to lose weight. But when my daughter took me for a shopping trip on Mother’s Day, and I had to force myself into a larger pair of white pants for the summer, I freaked. I bought them at her insistence but swore I’d never wear them. I’d slim down and return them for a sleek, smaller size.

The next day I signed up for Weight Watchers and somehow managed to stick with the program. I proved myself wrong about age as a barrier to getting in shape.

Eighteen months ago, I had a minor health issue and restricted my diet briefly to clear up my condition. That worked like gangbusters, and I lost ten more pounds in the process.

But now I’ve gained it back, and my clothes are too snug. At my advanced age, most people would cut me some slack and tell me to take a break. I walk every day, but it’s not helping my waistline. I’d decided to just make peace with it until I went on an overnight getaway with my daughter and Jack, her rambunctious Lab.

They wore me out because I walked longer and faster than I have in a while. Exhausted? For sure, but I also slapped myself upside the head. You’ve been pampering yourself, girly, I said when I got home.

Get your aging, sagging patootie to the gym and get your old body in shape again.

I hate how nasty habits creep up on us (meaning me). I confess I haven’t given enough pushback to this one. I do my absolute baseline exercise routine every day to stay out of the sedentary camp, and not a step more.

But dashing after my little chickadee and Jack proved I was game for a lot more. And since I have a very cheap membership to my local 24 Hour Fitness, which is walking distance no less, I hightailed it there and started a routine that included cardio and some weights.

I discovered the joy of pumping iron the first time I signed up with a trainer at 24 Hour Fitness, more than a quarter of a century ago. While cardio and abs work bore me to tears, I get pumped pumping iron.

I like free weights and resistance machines and the rowing machine. So I’m back at the gym, plus adding a two-minute plank at home.

I don’t have a target date for losing the weight. I just want to get fit and feel stronger.

My muscle memory is intact from the many hours I’ve spent at the gym in the past. I’m writing about my plan to find my biceps and quads once again to keep myself honest and accountable.

Come along and get yourself fit. If this hobbling, 80-year-old slouch can get back in shape, anyone can.

Actually, I say that to nag you, not because I think it’s necessarily true. Many people don’t have the luxury of doing what I’m doing, even when they are many decades younger. I’m currently listening to the book, 29 Gifts in 29 Days, recommended by Rachella Barie.

The author managed to walk six blocks one morning. Doesn’t seem like much, does it? Except she suffers from MS, and challenged herself to get over herself and do more than she thought she could.

Since I only suffer from old age and a touch of self-indulgence, I think I’m up for this. Anybody with me?

When Do You Begin To Get Old? The Day You Skip the Gym

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I’m 80 Years Old, and I Refuse To Eat Leftovers

Why have I started to settle?

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Why I’m Grateful for a Small Stroke

You’re never too old for a lesson in gratitude.

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