It seems like there are always debates and opinions floating around about when a woman is too old to wear a bikini. According to one recent posting, women my age should not be wearing a bikini. Do I agree? No.
Instead of focusing on age appropriateness in wearing a bikini, we should address the issue from a fitness standpoint. Rather than ask someone else or adhere to the latest opinion polls, why not ask yourself these questions:
Do I exercise regularly?
Am I eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and contains fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains?
Do I drink enough water each day?
Am I getting sufficient sleep?
Do I have good coping/stress management skills?
Do I have a positive attitude about myself?
Am I getting enough vitamins and minerals?
Do you have a positive attitude about life in general?
If you have maintained a healthy lifestyle, and keep yourself fit, then age is irrelevant.
With that said, did you know that for each decade after the age of 25, 3 to 5% of muscle mass is lost due to changes in lifestyle and the decreased use of muscles? After the age of 40, you lose 1 percent per year! Also, did you know that with normal aging, our maximal oxygen uptake, (VO² Max -our total capacity to consume oxygen), declines at approximately 8 to 10% per decade after age 30? What does that mean to you? A reduction in aerobic capacity/cardio-respiratory fitness. The good news is that aerobic capacity and muscle strength can be improved at any age. In addition, by following a regular strength program, older adults who were previously sedentary, reported having significant strength gains according to recent studies.
There is no question that age plays a role in the way we look, and that is why we need to commit to a healthy lifestyle in order to feel good about ourselves in whatever we wear.
(Note: The "2" in VO²Max should be in subscript form, but I don’t know how to do that….maybe I am just too old!)
Sources: American Council on Exercise-Ace Personal Trainer Manual, 3rd Edition; Framework: Your 7-Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones, and Joints; Author: Nicholas A. DiNubile,MD with William Patrick
As Summer approaches, we can get a little sidetracked with our fitness routine. The kids are home from school, vacations are in sight, and we are ready to take more time for ourselves. All these things are great and we should enjoy them. The trick is not letting the Summer slip by without some regular exercise. If your workout is important to you, let others know it. Don't compromise all of your free time. Whether you belong to a gym or workout at home, stay true to your workout routine. Sure, there may be times when it just won't work and you will have to work around someone, something, or even your own lack of motivation. It is all about making an adjustment so that you can keep your routine going. Identify the obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them. Enjoy all the great things you can do in the Summer, and keep yourself strong doing them. After all, it is your life!
