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You are never too old…

Photo: Vivek Bendre

Manohar Aich pumps iron even in his 90s.

Regular workouts can benefit older people immensely if they learn exactly what their body needs.

Bill Starr, the renowned trainer and author of The Strongest Shall Survive, offers some tips to such persons interested in training.

According to Starr, “The aged respond well to hard training, but results are slower. Older trainees have an edge over their younger counterparts. They have a lot more patience which is vital for staying committed to the fitness lifestyle. They don’t seek quick-fix solutions. They differentiate between soreness that manifests from hard training and pain owing to injury. This helps them identify any exercise that spells trouble.”

Nick DiNubile, clinical assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), says that the recovery rate from soreness and minor injuries such as spasms and cramps is slower in older people. So, they have to work hard and smart.

Some medical conditions may restrain a person from performing certain exercises. But, they can find plenty of alternatives to any exercise or training technique.

Weider Publications, U.S., cites the example of Jack King of Winston Salem, North Carolina, who was an Olympic weight lifter until 1976. He was then diagnosed with a rare combination of mononucleosis and hepatitis and told to lay off exercises such as the bench press and squats. However, he trained using alternative movements and eventually won the Mr. America title!

Dr. Gene Logan, author of Adaptation of Muscular Activity, says that every person should work out as this helps flexibility and endurance in everyday life.

According to Starr, older people can train with weights three days a week and do cardio for three days. He recommends two-three sets of 20 reps on basic movements such as squats, deadlifts and bench presses using light to moderate weights. Other movements can be trained using even higher reps (light weights), which he says will feed the cartilage.

Larry Scott of Biophase Systems, who has millions of clients the world over, recommends shorter and more frequent workouts every week. He emphasises training using different exercises in almost every workout, which would elicit better hormonal release.

The bottom-line is you are never too old to say goodbye to the weight room. Former Mr. Universe Manohar Aich (94) of Kolkata is living proof of this.

takeupsculpting@yahoo.com

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