The Two Ways We Misjudge Our Aging Bodies

Whenever I write a story about how aging increases the risk of injuries, requires more recovery time — or anything else that makes it sound as if aging equals frailty — I get comments about how I’ve got it all wrong, even though I back everything with research.

The tone is usually along the lines of how I’m perpetuating the problem by promoting the “myth” that we need to slow down as we age.

Here’s the thing.

I’ve been in the fitness world for over 45 years. At 67, I’ve done it all — from extreme workouts to Pilates, to outdoor cycling, to working out in bodybuilding and powerlifting gyms — not to mention working as a personal trainer coaching people of all ages and fitness levels.

I’ve experienced what my body can do from age 21 to now. The reality is: things have changed that are beyond my control, regardless of how much I want them to stay the same.

It’s simply physiology. Attempting to do a workout I did in my 30s at the same intensity and volume now would be foolish and yes, could result in an injury.

It has nothing to do with a lack of self-confidence or any other mindset issue. Our body undergoes natural…