Hi friends! Today’s post is more in the musing category. I’ve been feeling a bit pensive about exercise and I had a couple of interesting experiences and conversations back to back. And I want to share some of those thoughts with you.
At the fitness facility I work at I recently covered a bunch of sessions for other trainers (everybody decided to take summer vacation the same two weeks and I was one of three trainers available for one of those weeks). This meant I was working with a lot of clients who aren’t mine and I don’t see on a regular basis. And darned if I didn’t have similar conversations with a lot of them.
Many of the older clients straight up commented that they wished they had started sooner. Or that they noticed a huge difference when they were coming back after time off. Or even that they were surprised how much they had grown to love what strength training has done for them physically and mentally.
A couple of the younger clients were excited to work with someone different and they asked me questions about my teaching job. What did I notice about college kids and their activities levels that I didn’t expect? Or how long did I have to work on a particular exercise before it felt natural or I got good at it? (Clearly these kids are all intelligent and thoughtful.)
These conversations are two sides of the same coin. And as someone at an age basically smack in the middle of this diverse group of clients, I see it from both sides. I am young and energetic enough to largely keep up, even though I am old enough to be experiencing random aches and pains. I know what exercise and movement has brought to my life these past 30 years, but I am anxious to see what will be in 30 more. So here is short letter to my 70 year old body from my 44 year old self:
Dear Melissa,
I hope 70 is treating you well. I am trying to make the most of what we’ve been given. There are many days still that means struggle with body image and feeling like our size makes us an imposter. But I’ve also learned a lot and have many more days where that noise is quieter. I certainly hope that you have all the peace your mind deserves on that matter.
I hope that I am a good steward of the physical body we have. I’ve done all sorts of different types of exercise and movement and, with the exception of step aerobics, I haven’t disliked much. I know there are a lot of factors outside my control but I am trying to do what I can. I hope that the strength training I’m working on has our bones healthy and our muscles strong. I hope strength training is something you are still doing.
There is not much I like better than putting on headphones and walking outside. It is the place where I can be. Just be. Melissa. In all my weirdness and anxiousness. But it’s also the place where I solve a lot of problems and work through a lot of challenges. I hope you are still able to walk and if not, that you’ve found something similar that will benefit your heart, lungs, and mind.
I want you to know that whatever your abilities and likes are at 70, your body is awesome and that I did my best, and will continue to do my best, to not treat it as a before and after. I like to hope that we, as well as 25 year old us, are partners. Living to the best of our abilities while trying to be thoughtful and learn as much as we can about how to treat this body.
So far this body has carried, grown, and delivered a child; allowed us to live in another country safely; earn multiple degrees and certifications in exercise; work with a hugely diverse group of people; teach strength training and yoga to a new generation; run a blog and business; and be a good friend and neighbor. I hope that the intervening years will be healthy and strong, but if adversity finds you, don’t forget this body hasn’t failed you yet.
Love, Melissa
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