Posted by Margy:
You can find me every evening watching the youth of the world twisting, jumping, running, diving, digging, hitting, rowing, spiking, leaping and bouncing as they compete in Beijing to wear the gold medal. Before the Olympics started, I didn’t plan on watching at all, but I’ve found myself immersed in the drama and stories. Mostly, however, I’m caught up in watching the amazing feats that these athletes perform.
Before these games I thought beach volleyball was a game for people who didn’t have jobs and were waiting for the waves to get better. I now know that these players have to work so hard to compete that beach volleyball has become their job, and they don’t have time for surfing. Over the countless practice hours they’ve become like husband and wife—so aware of each other, able to predict what move their partner will make, and ready for their own opportunity to finish the volley. Some of the teams even have “spousal spats” when the volley does not go their way.
I have been intrigued with water polo. I don’t really understand the game, but I’m amazed that these swimmers’ feet never touch the ground for the entire game, even when they’re in the penalty box. What core strength they must have!
As a young woman I did everything I could to avoid gym class. That wasn’t difficult because it was far more important then for girls to learn to cook, sew and attract a date for prom than it was to swim, run or throw a ball. In fact, if you were athletic you better not ever let a guy know you were better than him or you would be staying home prom night. So watching the men and especially the women perform at the Olympics makes me wish I would have not avoided gym but challenged my body to be the athlete that I could have been.
I can still be the athlete I can be at this age, so it’s time to get off the couch, get out and move.
Filed under: Health, My Plan After 50 Musings | Tagged: challenge, olympics
I find that even being an athlete in my youth and middle age is no match for aging and the couch. Point me at some tips on how I can regain my motivation and physique once I’m off the couch! Getting back in shape at 55 isn’t what it was at 40.
Katie,
I do understand that motivation is difficult and that it is difficult to get back in shape as we get older. I have had some age and motivation challenges my self. I have found that I need someone to be accountable to to stay motivated I have used an get fit buddy and a coach both of which have been helpful. There are some great articles on this subject on the My Plan After 50 website that you might want to check out. Good luck!!
Remember that first initial change to rid the couch (at least partially) won’t start until you make the first move no matter how much advice one finds or receives. Use the Olympics as motivation. Pick one of those sports or an physical activity that peaks your interests and start. Remember to start at your pace. Olympic trials are not for another 3 1/2 years
… Good luck!