“We are only as old as we believe we are!”
Do you choose a sedentary life that includes countless negative effects or do you choose an active lifestyle which promotes a higher quality of life? Here at Cristini Athletics we believe the goal is a life well lived.
Research has proven that fit older athletes live longer in a healthier state with a lower prevalence of disease. (Garatachea it al. 2014) It doesn’t matter when you start as long as you start. You will get fitter and stronger despite getting older. Wouldn’t you prefer that to the alternative? Under the supervision of experienced coaching, the athletes will learn proper technique and reduce the risk of injury.
Some of the benefits of exercise are reduction in hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, depression and cancer. Mobility, flexibility and strength increases as well as coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. The list is endless but the point is you actually feel younger and stronger the more mobile you get.
Here is one of the more important movements that everybody should be doing, The Back Squat.
Just think of how many times a day that you are actually squatting. Getting in and out of bed, sitting on the toilet, getting in and out of the car, reaching down to get things off a lower shelf. How about doing all that with great ease?
The back squat will increase strength and power in the glutes, hamstrings and quads which are primary stabilizers. This movement improves hip extension power and stimulates muscle building hormones that strengthen the whole body. While building lean muscle you get major definition in the legs and butt. Squats, done properly, reduces lower back and knee pain because you are improving mobility in the hips and ankles. Performing weighted squats challenges the core to stabilize the body which strengthens and tones the core. A strong core therefore helps reduce the risk of injury and improves your posture.
Age does not determine your athletic capacity; if you are engaged in regular training and putting to use good form learned in class to everyday life, there is no reason you won’t be able to live an active pain free lifestyle, especially as you age.
Article by: Anna Cristini