Maintaining Mobility is the Main Concern 24.06.2002

“Life Before sixty is nothing but a warm-up”

by Ron Clarke (Australian legend, former multi-world record holder and Olympian.)

It has long been folklore in the fitness world that whether you workout regularly when you are still in your youth is a matter of choice, your normal activities are usually so hectic and action-packed that you maintain fitness anyway. Come the twenties and thirties though and your metabolism is beginning to slow thus some of your calorie intake is sticking, not so much time is devoted to sports and recreation. This is the period a regular workout becomes highly recommended, something everybody should think about incorporating into their lifestyle no matter how busy he or she may be.

From the time you turn forty exercise on a regular basis becomes compulsory if you wish to enjoy a reasonable lifestyle into your best years. This exercise should be maintaining mobility. Finely chiselled pectorals and chests, rippling arm muscles and washboard tummies are all very nice but they are not much use if you need a walking stick or wheelchair to get around.

Concentration should be on general mobility, keeping all your limbs stretched and flexible, with an agile trunk and a strong back. The quality of life in your sixties and beyond is totally dependant upon how well you can squat, stand, walk and move. We all dread having to rely on others to wash and feed us. It should be our constant goal to postpone this indefinitely, say around 110.

I do not mean to be too dramatic. Of course the human spirit can adjust to any setback but being able to be independent and able to enjoy the full range of physical activities relies so much on strong legs and back muscles. I am constantly astonished when people in their forties and fifties choose to ignore the need to look after these, the most precious of their physical assets.

So, we all should spend two hours at least every day walking, jogging, cycling or skipping (sorry but swimming is little help) if we really want to stay in shape.

For those who, like me, want to die young at an old an age as possible should be planning their daily routine to assure they get the maximum time devoted to this type of exercise – give up a meal if necessary. Walking is more important to you short term and long term more than eating – trust me.