‘You Can’t Afford to Wait Two more Months’
Dan Ritchie is president and co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute, the nation’s leading business source for gyms and studios helping people over 55. He also has his own studio, Miracles Fitness, in West Lafayette, Indiana. So, he has valuable perspective as a consultant, coach and business owner.
Dan spoke recently with us and a group of fitness professionals from around the country. Here are some thoughts he shared about how fitness for “older” people is shaping up during and after Covid-19.
As you know, more states are loosening restrictions on businesses, and gyms in some states and provinces have been allowed to reopen.
Dan says it’s important for everyone in this demographic to keep exercising on a regular basis – regardless of current regulations or guidelines in each state or province. So, whether you’re at home or willing and able to go to a fitness center, take charge of your fitness every day.
“Exercise is vital for functional longevity, no matter how you do it,” says Dan, who has a doctoral degree in Health & Kinesiology from Purdue University. “You can’t afford to take two more months off.”
That’s why many gyms, including Global Fitness & Racquet Centre, have provided online training, video workouts and more to keep people moving and motivated.
Global Fitness has gone virtual to support membership and the community. We will be opening up in house classes with reduced numbers, personal, sanitized equipment and ample space and air exchange. We have also been uploading videos of our virtual classes so you can have them on the go as long as you have internet access. You can also purchase small group Training where there are only 4-6 people training in private studios with lots of space or outdoors in the fresh air. Check out Project Body Smart at Global Fitness & Racquet Centre.
The vast majority of older people don’t exercise at all – and that was true even before the coronavirus hit.
The World Health Organization says adults should get 150 minutes of moderately intense cardio exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Also, we should all participate in resistance training at least twice a week to maintain strength, balance, bone health and more.
After age 50 or so, exercise becomes even more important to help maintain physical and mental health – and to maintain social bonds. During the coronavirus lockdown, it has been easy for many “older” people to stay at home and risk not only inactivity but also isolation. That’s another reason it’s important to reach out to family, friends and yours truly.
Online training has been a surprise hit with mature people who have found it a great way to stay in touch with others.
Dan also calls it “ageism” to perpetuate the myth that mature people can’t learn to use technology, like Zoom on a computer, to stay active. We definitely know that one’s not true, given how many of you are participating in our online workouts!
If it’s time to return to the gym or studio, make sure you’re satisfied about cleanliness practices. If you want to know what we are doing please reach out. We are controlling entry, we have sanitizing stations, we have spaced out equipment, we are closing the doors every 90 minutes to do a complete sanitizing spray of the equipment, touch points and change rooms. We take your health and safety seriously.
“The consumer has to know that fitness is vitally important, but that doesn’t mean they should feel like they’re taking a risk going into a dirty gym with no clear policies,” Dan says. “So, think about what support you need to maintain a fitness regimen whether you’re at home or willing and able to return to the fitness center.”
At Global fitness we understand if you are uncomfortable returning and that’s OK we have options for you.
The important thing is, this is not a time to wait it out, doing nothing.
You’ve got to move your body every day. We’re here to help you stay strong! Let us know what you need most right now and we will do our best to provide or put you in contact with some one who can.
