I stand here before you in my 40th year of life, and interestingly I don’t feel my age. In fact, I’ve recently been getting a lot of comments from people failing to believe I’m 40. Well, evidenced by my receding hairline (although my shaved head disguises it well), I beg to differ. But hey, if you think I’m a decade younger than I look, thank you and I’ll never argue that. The point I’m trying to hammer down is quite simply this… Age is just a number. If I had a nickel every time someone told me they’re too old to exercise or get into shape, I’d be a millionaire by now. Do you think age ever stopped Jack LaLanne from exercising well over two hours a day? Heck no!
Perhaps you’ve heard some of the hype over the past few years that 40 is the new 30. In some cases, this is absolutely true. I actually have this new term I’ve been using with some close friends that goes a little something like this… “I’m 40 going on 21.” This simply means I feel like a 40-year-old man trapped in a 21-year-old’s body, which is a good thing. I feel way more fit now than I did when I was 21 years old. I don’t think it’s technology I have to thank either. It’s more a matter of smart training practices, years of experience under my belt and aligning myself with the right people in the fitness industry.
Here’s where things get even more interesting. I know both men and women older than me who are in better shape! Back in April, I attended an inaugural Lean Berets fitness barbecue at my partner in crime Ron Jones’ house. Well let me tell you, this was a very humbling and inspiring experience. Not only did I meet some great fitness entrepreneurs, but I also witnessed some of the most incredible feats of strength humanly possible. For the first time in my life, I was literally speechless. I just stood back and stared in awe with my mouth gaped open. Exercises like one-armed pullups, back and front levers, handstand pushups, human flags and L-sits were performed on this apparatus called the CrossCore pullup bar with grace, ease and finesse. Yes ease!!! These men and women didn’t seem to pay much attention to age, as some were 40 and even 50-plus! This gave me instant motivation to spend the next 10 years of life just like them–in as good of shape as possible with no excuses of age being a setback. I’d also like to particularly mention how Ron looked more fit and chiseled than any other time in the near decade I’ve known him. And guess what? He trains less than me. That’s proof of what healthy eating and smart training tactics can do for you.
Exercise over 40. I’m doing a hanging L-sit.
The take-home message is never think you are too old to get started. I promise you won’t be able to get ripped overnight, but you can over a span of time. In order to get there though, you must release the fear and make the first move. Taking small, gradual steps is always the best approach when you are instilling a new habit into your life. That’s why The Lean Berets 30 x 30 Challenge is so effective. It gives you the momentum you need to make exercise a lifelong habit. Until next time, be the change you want to see!
K/Rail
