Finding the answers is a lifelong quest for some of us but for others it’s a chore best completed quickly.
That’s why some people find their look and stick with it – for decades. They find their favourite music and have no interest in keeping up with contemporary music. They find the perfect meditation and do it religiously for years. The exercise that helped keep them trim in their twenties, may not help as much in their forties.
People are creatures of habit and even if the habits start out well, they have to keep adapting to their environment and their bodies.
I used to laugh at my dog who, at the age of 16, suffered arthritis. When I’d take him to the park and he’d see a bird, his younger instincts kicked in and he’d try to run towards , only to soon realise he didn’t have the same puppy legs anymore. His drive to chase the bird hadn’t lessened but his body had changed a lot.
We all have to keep evolving as our bodies change. As we age our muscles and bone density will likely deteriorate, our tissues and tendons will be less flexible and we may have some scar tissue from injuries. Doing the same exercise year in year out may not bring about the same benefits it used to and may even be detrimental.
Then, of course, you may have gained weight. So, don’t expect to be able to go and play a rugby match with the same ease as you did in your younger years. If you’ve gained 20kg for example, you’ll have much less muscle tissue to call on for that type of vigorous exercise so you’re likely to be injured.
What used to be a fun game or way to exercise soon becomes a punishment but exercise isn’t a punishment, it’s such a great asset to your body, mood, productivity and overall health.
As much as health and fitness is my life, I’m constantly learning new ways to help my clients. It fascinates me and I’m excited by change and the growth it brings.
So, it’s worth regularly asking the question: ‘Is this still working for me? Can I adjust it in some way and try something new? Am I being totally honest about what I’m eating and, just as importantly, how I’m eating?’
Reassessment is part of life – always asking new questions and finding new answers.
