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| Article 1 Exercise as We Age Commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle benefits those growing older, wiser By Joan Frentz Courtesy photos "How do you feel about growing older?" I asked the group of women having lunch in my living room.  "Pleasant, no problem as long as my friends are doing it!" came the replies. "Why do you exercise?" I continued. "I don't feel my age until I stand up," said one, "I exercise to stay as flexible as I can." Some of the women were students from a fitness for "older" women class I teach at The Firm in Carpinteria. Others were women who get together on their own two mornings a week to exercise. The women's ages range from in their late-60s to mid-70s. My personal commitment to a consistent exercise program and healthier eating turned around my health, eliminating most of my aches and pains, and vastly improving my lifestyle. In my late-60s, I am now a personal trainer, teach a fitness class and write a bi-weekly column for the Carpinteria Coastal View, titled "Fitness for Everyone." I am also delighted to announce my newly released book: Life Begins@Sixty, Living Longer, Stronger Lives. As I state in the book, "I am fortunate to have the time to commit to exercise and my fitness. For me there is no other choice. I truly enjoy what I do and love sharing what I have learned." Today, my muscles are more defined and my endurance and stamina has improved through my swimming, walking, playing tennis and hiking up in the beautiful Santa Barbara mountains. Through deliberate effort my posture has improved, as has my balance. Chronic soreness in my back, hips, wrists, fingers and toes that plagued me for years has all but disappeared. Everything is not perfect. Age shows in my overly sun-exposed skin, and my worn feet seem to have a hundred thousand miles on them. But I know it's not only possible, it's probable to live to be 100 and beyond. So, how do we achieve and maintain a strong physical body capable of sustaining an independent life and lifestyle? By becoming aware of our own bodies, learning what we need to do and what works best for us-you becoming your own best advocate and cheerleader. Joan Frentz, in mirror reflection, looks upon the joyful faces of her lunch guests. Top row: Joan Hebert, Barbara Kless, Mary Cole and Sharon Stewart. Bottom row: Clemnease Johnson, Anne Carlin and Judy Roehm. Studies show that a strong healthy heart and lungs require regular exercise. Exercise can relieve arthritic and asthma symptoms, and aid in the recovery from illness and surgery. It gives us more energy and stamina, improves our balance, relieves stress and may lessen or even eliminate depression.  By exercising regularly, consistently eating healthier and maintaining body awareness, the chances are that in six months you will feel better, be more energetic and will be able to maintain a longer, healthier, independent lifestyle."Exercise keeps me going. I have the time and, thankfully, due to my exercise program, the energy and strength to enjoy my five active grandchildren," says one of my lunch guests. Another chimes in that she feels there's nothing graceful about getting old. "I am fighting it all the way. Exercise is one of my greatest weapons," she says. My ladies luncheon ends. We have had a fun time commiserating about what it is like to grow — not old, but — older, as in older, wiser and quite content. For more information, contact Joan Frentz at 566-4987 or j.frentz@verizon.net. To order Life Begins@Sixty, visit www.journeypublications.com. ©2004 Santa Barbara New-Press |
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