You’ve seen them shuffling down the street. Fragile old men and women who need canes or walkers to help them move because they’re likely to tip over at any second. About 10 years ago I realized I was turning into one.
In my generation kids were expected to spend a lot of time outside, so I was in the habit of being active. Unlike nowadays, youth sports were limited but our high school fielded some good teams and I played field hockey in the fall and tennis in the spring. Some of my friends played three sports. My active life continued until I graduated from college and began working.
You can probably guess what came next. Your story may even be similar. Work, marriage, children, aging, weight gain, and loss of flexibility– not necessarily in that order.
I’m at the point where, to me, fitness means having the ability to walk a mile and a half to the grocery store, make my purchases and carry them back home. To be able to squat without pain to get something out of the bottom cabinet. To be able to get on the floor to play with my grandson and get back up without a big production. That’s not to say I don’t “work out”. I do big girl pushups, squats and crunches regularly. Stretching is part of my daily routine. My library of workout DVDs is always ready for me.
I’m at the point where, to me, fitness means having the ability to walk a mile and a half to the grocery store, make my purchases and carry them back home. To be able to squat without pain to get something out of the bottom cabinet. To be able to get on the floor to play with my grandson and get back up without a big production.
The thing is, my motivation has changed. I don’t workout to be strong, or to lose weight or to improve my time in a 5K, although I’m really happy that these are side effects of an active lifestyle. My fitness goals are much simpler. I want to avoid being the old lady with the walker.
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About the Author…
This WIRL was contributed by Lydia Filgueras, who over the last couple years, has become intrigued with the semi-vegetarian style of eating popularly known as “flexitarian.” You can find more about Lydia at her website or you can follow her on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Sara Brennan
Lydia – I love how you described what fitness means to you. You made a great point because you are doing things to help your body become stronger and useful for more practical things. We don’t all need to be able to lift 50 pounds over our head or do 100 pushups. Being strong enough to live our daily lives effectively and pain free is a definite WIN!