Over the years, I’ve watched my strength go up and as I lifted more I became even stronger. As I’ve aged my priorities have changed, but what I’ve noticed is how hard I have to work to do a lot less. Why is this important? Our ability to maintain an independent lifestyle depends on our ability to stay strong. As you age - ask yourself - am I strong enough for the rest of my life?

When you hit the weights do you think about short term or long term results? I often watch people working out with really light weight, using lots of reps. The first thing I think when I see this is what is going to happen 10 years from now? Will they be using half that weight? What about someone who is not doing anything at all? What will that mean to their ability to function independently?

I believe the gym should give us solutions that will help with our everyday life. Being strong makes everything easier. Think about sitting in a chair and then getting back up again - this is the same as doing a squat. How often have you seen someone sit down using their arms to brace themselves and then get back up using their arms to push themselves out the chair? What they’re really doing is making up for a lack of strength in their legs.

As we age, this deficit will increase, leading to a loss of an ability to do so at all. The number one reason people go to assisted living is that they can no longer get off the commode. When you come to the gym, you need to remember it’s not just about what your body looks like now. You need to work as hard as you can to fight what father time is going to throw at you down the road.

All too often, the gym is seen as a short term solution. Scenarios like “I want to lose 20 pounds” or “I’ve got an event to go to” or “I want to look good for my birthday coming up” drive us to workout. Instead of “If I am blessed to live another 20, 30 or 40 years. How do I want to feel? What kind of life will I be living? Will be able to function on my own?”

To achieve long term success, we need to set long term goals. We should look at fitness like we look at our finances. Our plan should allow us to live comfortably for the remainder of our days. Like with money, that plan should start early on. With your long term goal in hand, you can begin to feel more confident and plan for a happy future.

If you need help with your plan or more importantly writing down your goals we are here. Let’s come up with a plan together - email us at bill@successstudiopt.com or call 434-984-2277 to book a complimentary strategy session today!