How to do what you love to do, for the rest of your life!
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I’m borderline obsessed with my health and well-being. It’s my job after all. I teach yoga, train people to stay fit, and coach them to create amazing lives for themselves, their families and their businesses. I believe that we are all training now for the time when we reach our 80’s, 90’s, and 100+. I also believe it’s imperative that we enjoy the time we have because we may never make it there. I’ve already set a goal to ride a 100 mile bike ride when I’m 100 years young. I’m 45 now and my bike ride tomorrow morning is training for that ride.
Lately I’ve been reading a book entitled Fast After 50 by Joel Friel. The author is one of the most well respected triathlon coaches in the US and also the creator of the Training Bible series of books. Though I’m not quite 50 yet, I am looking at preparing myself the best way possible. I also have a lot of clients that are 50 and older. They are very interested in continuing to thrive well into their 50’s and of course into their 80’s, 90’s, and beyond.
What I’ve learned thus far from Friel’s book is that intensity is one main keys to keeping your body young. The normal things that happen to all of us as we age are decreased aerobic capacity, decreased muscle mass, and increase body fat. It’s not exactly the recipe I would like as I live out the final 50-70 years of my life, thank you very much!
So how can we stop it? Realistically, we can’t. But we can slow down the process and it begins with high intensity training. We all know the benefits of exercise, but they bare repeating. Strength, lower stress levels, anti-depression, better heart health and mind health, among many other things.
It is also commonly known that heart disease is the number one killer in our country. What isn’t so commonly known is that it is one of the most easily preventable diseases. This brings me to my 5 keys to live a healthy, long, and active life.
Number 1 – Make sure you exercise. But make sure you do it in a way that challenges you. I know, walking is good for you and if you’re one of those people who doesn’t get off the couch very much, then start doing it now! But if you already do that then make sure to push yourself. Make sure you sweat. Make your body sore. It will go into a state of regeneration and growth, regardless of your age.
Number 2 – Eat a mostly plant based diet. Dr. Dean Ornish has been at this for years. He’s finally convinced government agencies and bureaucratic institutions that a plant based diet will decrease your cholesterol and lower your risk for heart disease. This should’ve been done 30 years ago. He tried and thankfully he never stopped trying!
Number 3 – Meditate. Meditation is having it’s moment these days, you can find it all over the web and on the best seller lists. It’s simple, but not always easy. I recommend you begin with easy, short meditations. Do them consistently and let them grow! You will notice a difference for yourself very quickly!
Number 4 – Spend time with loved ones. This is one of my favorites because I love my family and friends so much. It’s important to have human connection. Make sure you touch other people, hug them, squeeze them, and tell them you love them. That is what’s going to matter when you finally get to your death bed. Did you love those people close to you and did you tell them enough. Do it now!
Number 5 – Share your life and gifts with others. Throughout our life there is a lot of time spent working on ourselves and thinking about me, me, me. But for many people there comes a time when we have to start thinking about sharing our gifts. Kind of like a final chapter in life, but it can be done throughout life. Many sages say that if you want something, give it away or teach others how to do it. That’s working for me firsthand. I teach others how to stay fit and well, thus I am motivated by their commitment.
That’s it! Not very hard, in fact incredibly enjoyable I would say. But this is an everyday commitment. Not a once in a while, maybe I’ll do it on the weekends kind of gig. It’s life and it’s precious. Start living it like it’s a true gift. Appreciate what you have and stop complaining about what you don’t. You can live a live filled with love, purpose, and wellness forever! Your forever, at least. I’m here to help if you need. @teddymcdonald
Photo Credit: flickr.com/PeterMooney