Getting back in the gym & in shape for a better YOU!
Feature Column by Kelle Wilde
Fitness in our Fifties sure has a different view for me than it did when I was younger. As a current gym owner and fitness enthusiast, I was a collegiate athlete and post-college, I stayed active competitively until family and career rivaled my limited free time, and something had to give. Yes, one can stay active “chasing and doing” with a young, growing family, but as the years fly by (and they will), the focus on personal health and fitness can become very dim. Then forty-something happens, the kids are older, and one day, you look in the mirror and wonder where all the time has gone. You start questioning yourself and your ability to jump back in.… Can I do this? Am I too old? Will I get hurt? The resounding answer is YES, YOU CAN, and possibly, for some, you can do it even better than before!
Walking back into the gym is hard. Walking into a gym for the first time can be paralyzing. I know because I teach a weekly 5:30 am fitness class and see those faces. I will tell you the same thing I say to all my first-timers or “returners” who walk through the door – Listen to your body and focus on yourself. Everyone in the gym is on a fitness journey, but there are many paths, so comparing yourself to Jenny, who’s been consistently exercising for two years, or setting the pace with Jack, who is competing next month, isn’t a good idea. When jumping back into the fitness arena, your body will let you know when to stop and rest. Your coach will modify movements to fit your current fitness level and keep a finger on your fitness pulse, gently pushing you as your stamina increases. Mobility is key, and stretching is a MUST. Additionally, fueling that gas tank of yours is the most important thing you can do, as healthy eating and water intake should be a priority.
Personally, I found CrossFit later in life (late 40s) and was immediately addicted to the adrenaline rush and supportive community. My competitive spirit loved the competitions to see how I stacked up against my peers. As a coach, I love challenging athletes of all ages and fitness levels to find their ‘why’ and explore their fitness potential. Through the years, my focus has definitely changed. Completing the WODs (workout of the day) as prescribed (RX) isn’t nearly as important as it once was. Leaning into my 60s in 2024 has highlighted some physical limitations that may not allow for RX movements but certainly don’t keep me from maintaining a Functional Fitness focus on my health. Entering the “grandma era” in recent months has heightened my desire to stay fit and mobile.
As a new year dawns, perhaps your time is NOW. Whether you are younger, older, or somewhere in between.…don’t hesitate, don’t second guess, and don’t procrastinate. Find a gym (there are several options in Seguin) and GO. Make today the day YOU become a priority in your life once again. Good health is not guaranteed, and as we age, it requires more from us to maintain.
My challenge to you….Make a 30-day commitment and experience the life-altering changes that will follow. If you can buy $6 coffees, enjoy eating out, or are a regular on the Amazon website, you can afford this. It’s YOUR choice. EVERYONE wins from a healthier, happier version of you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let us welcome 2024 with open arms, excited for all the blessings to come!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Iowa, Kelle Wilde graduated from SWTSU. She owns Tiger Sports Complex, which includes, Texas Tigers Volleyball Club and Top Tier Training which she operates with Coach Sky and Coach Clay. She has been coaching for over 20 years, with the last 11 in the fitness industry. She has received certifications in: Crossfit L1 – trainer, kids Crossfit, Crossfit football, and Underground Strength L1 coaching. At 59 she is here for her “sisters” they don’t have to stop because of a number.