Inspiring Journey: From Hesitation to Lifelong Fitness

Maintaining fitness is never easy at any age, and when the age increases, it becomes quite challenging. Here’s the story of a 65-year-old senior citizen who feared to change his lifestyle but transformed and did so with consistent and mindful exercise. What makes his story even more impressive is that he did not start with any youthful, energetic vibes but with a reluctance over the benefits of exercise at his age.

Even though he was fit for his age, his son came to me five years ago, worried about his father’s health. The son felt that maintaining his father’s fitness would help enhance his overall well-being and keep him energised. This marked the beginning of his life-changing journey.

The Reluctant Start: Setting the Foundation

At first, The client hesitated to start exercising. He was unsure about getting into any type of physical activity at all. Like most senior citizens, he was not interested in exercising beyond the time for his daily walk of 30 minutes. He was not ready to add more exercise to his life. The encouragement of Varun and his wife to join him in the new routine motivated him to try fitness. However, he decided to give fitness a try and wanted to do it from his comfort zone and not push him too hard. 

As a certified professional trainer, I prioritised understanding his concerns and creating a customised fitness plan that would not pressure him. We started with breathing exercises, stretching, lightweight training and strengthening exercises tailored for the elderly thrice a week. My goal was to increase his flexibility, stability, and energy without causing discomfort. 

Building Strength and Confidence Over Time

Gradually, consistency became the key. Weeks become months as time lapses, and he found these exercises improved his physical strength and kept him much more energetic. With this belief in himself, we started adding gradual challenges to his routine, such as body weight exercises, other strengthening routines, and upgrading his endurance. These exercises have been planned to help him maintain muscle tissue, enhance joint mobility, and promote his cardiovascular system, all of which are important for healthy ageing.

Over time, what started as a fitness exercise grew into a passion. He has now become more involved in our sessions and has started enjoying the process. Weight training, which he initially ran from, has become an essential part of his routine.

Adapting to Change: Staying Committed After a Move

After a few years into his fitness journey, he shifted to Bangalore. The distance did not stop our sessions; we continued to train online after he shifted. Therefore, there was no break in his routine. Through online sessions, he could also get accustomed to his new surroundings while keeping up his dedication towards health. It was convenient through the virtual format and kept him responsible towards his fitness goals.

Although our training periods have become much less frequent due to conflicting schedules, whenever he is back in Mumbai, we chat, discuss his progress and make any vital adjustments to his fitness plan. His commitment to exercising shows how important it is to build a habit and adhere to it, even when the trainer is not around. 

Age is Just a Number

His story reminds us that prioritising health is important for anybody, regardless of age or when you start. Whether you’re 25 or 65, the benefits of exercise are ways beyond physical appearance. It is about feeling good internally,  boosting your mood, enhancing your sleep, and gaining the strength to enjoy your life to the fullest. Fitness is not about pushing but about growing a lifestyle that promotes health and well-being over the years. And for senior citizens who believe it’s too late, this story illustrates that it’s never too late. Activities such as walking, stretching, or mild weight lifting training can improve your quality of life, and as this client found, small, steady steps can lead to significant, lasting change.

Ready to start your own journey toward better health? Contact us today to explore a customised fitness plan that fits your lifestyle.

Sudam Shelar

Sudam Shelar is a certified fitness expert and health coach, specializing in personalized training and nutritional guidance for optimal well-being. With a keen focus on dynamic workouts, corrective exercises, and tailored programs, he excels in muscle rehabilitation, personal training, and holistic wellness.