As We Age: Reimagining Fitness by Stripping Away the Frills for Lasting Impact

The other day, I had a conversation with a friend who's a fitness enthusiast. Despite her love for working out, she expressed frustration with the culture at her gym, feeling it detracted from her enjoyment. I posed the question, "What would make it better?"

Her response got me thinking about the essence of why we hit the gym and the prevailing fitness cultures within these spaces. She shared her desire for a gym where she could freely be herself, focusing on her workout without feeling pressured to conform to certain looks or trends.

This got me reflecting on the broader phenomenon. While exercise naturally promotes leaner bodies and weight loss, should our priorities at the gym evolve with age towards a greater emphasis on longevity and overall health?

Our gym spaces are often adorned with flashy lights, brand logos, juice bars, and retail sections. But what if we stripped all that away? Would the motivation to show up persist if there weren't amenities like post-workout smoothies and social spaces?

Granted, community, socialization, and a sense of belonging are crucial aspects of any fitness journey. I've always believed that one of the cornerstones of a fulfilling fitness routine is connection – to the community, to our reasons for exercising, and ultimately, to our passion for movement.

But my friend's insights made me wonder: are we sometimes swayed more by the amenities and social scene than by the quality and purpose of our workouts? While these factors certainly matter, shouldn't the focus shift towards the substance of what we're doing, especially as we age? Are we prioritizing progress and robust health over convenience and comfort?

Personally, I'd opt for fewer frills if it meant a greater impact on my long-term fitness. When I envision myself at 90, still running, doing push-ups, and swinging kettlebells, I'd value the active lifestyle and its tangible benefits over luxuries like fancy locker rooms or steam rooms, but with little real progress in my training.

So here's my challenge to you: reflect on the choices you're making regarding your fitness journey. Are you prioritizing activities and environments that will sustain your active, vibrant lifestyle in the long run? Do you have a progressive plan in place, supported by a coach who's invested in your success? Or are you simply patching together random fitness classes, online workouts, and sporadic yoga sessions?

If you need guidance or support in crafting a more meaningful fitness regimen, I'm here to help. You can reach me at aaron@fittc.com.

See you in the gym,

Aaron Leventhal CSCS, PN1