Crossfit For The Wrinklies
Never too old to be fit
Let’s talk about starting CrossFit at an older age.
You know what? It’s never too late to begin! I’ve seen people in their 40s, 50s, and even 70s get into CrossFit and absolutely love it. Trust me, CrossFit is for everyone, regardless of age.
Now, I’ll be honest with you, as we get older, our bodies change. We might not bounce back as quickly as we used to, and those aches and pains? Well, they become more frequent visitors, but don’t let that discourage you! It just means we need to be a bit smarter about how we approach our fitness journey.
First things first, let’s talk about priorities.
When I started CrossFit later in life, I had to shift my focus. It wasn’t about keeping up with the youngsters anymore, it was about improving my quality of life. That’s the real goal here, folks.
I’ve learned that good health requires more responsibility as we age. It’s like maintaining a classic car, it needs more TLC to keep running smoothly. Does this mean we need to work out more? Not necessarily. It’s about working out smarter, not harder.
Here’s what I mean by training smarter:
1. Listen to your body. Some days you’ll feel like a superhero, ready to conquer heavy back squats. Other days? Not so much. And that’s okay!
2. Modify exercises when needed. There’s no shame in adapting workouts to suit your body’s needs.
3. Focus on good technique. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
4. Don’t let fear hold you back. A little discomfort is normal, but know the difference between good pain and bad pain.
Let’s talk about intensity.
In CrossFit, we love high-intensity workouts, but remember, intensity is relative. What’s intense for me might be a walk in the park for you, or vice versa. As we age, I’ve found it’s better to work with sub-maximum weights and volume. It keeps the intensity high but the injury risk lower.
But here’s the kicker — fitness isn’t just about what we do in the gym. It’s about our lifestyle as a whole. I’ve had to make some changes outside the gym too:
1. Stay active throughout the day. Take walks, ride a bike, do some gardening. Just keep moving!
2. Pay attention to nutrition. Our bodies can’t handle nutritional stress like they used to. I’ve found eating lean proteins, lots of veggies, and minimizing sugar and alcohol works wonders.
3. Prioritize sleep. I try to go to bed at the same time every night and aim for at least 8 hours. It makes a huge difference in recovery.
Remember, CrossFit is about more than just physical fitness. It’s about building a community, challenging yourself, and improving your overall quality of life. So, can you start CrossFit at an older age?
Absolutely! Just remember to listen to your body, train smart, eat well, and get enough rest.
Don’t let age be a barrier. I didn’t, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. So why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. After all, we’re all in this together, regardless of age.
See you at the box!
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