Next up on the “Ask a Coach” series is Coach Nikki answering, “Does weightlifting affect your joints above age 50?”
Let’s discuss the over 50 Crossfitter and effects on our joints and overall health. Think of it this way…If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
Crossfit is functional fitness. Being an athlete in your 50’s is much different than when you’re young, surprisingly it’s better. First off, I’m smarter about my body. After all these years I finally know exactly what to do to keep myself strong, and healthy. I understand food and how it can benefit me.
Most people think that once you hit your 50’s your fittest years are behind you. They say that now is the time to take it easy and stay away from the heavy weights and high intensity workouts. After all 50 is old, they say. It is definitely not the time to stop moving and take it easy when you reach your 50’s. Age is just a number. This could be the most important time of your life to start Crossfit. CrossFit uses safe, effective and efficient movements similar to those you use every day in life.
Coach Greg Glassman once stated that his greatest fear was living a long life without the basic functionality to enjoy it, i.e., spending 100 years on the planet and requiring the support of others to perform basic daily tasks for 40 of them.
Mobility and Range of Motion are key as we age. Not every joint should be mobile. Some joints help to maintain stability. Some joints need to be mobile through a specific range of motion. Mobilization of the joints which are meant to be mobile through their full ranges of motion is important as it helps prevent injury, from which recovery from takes longer the older you are. Making sure that the joints which are supposed to maintain stability do so, also is important to prevent injury.
The reality is this everyone: you aren’t getting any younger. You can’t fight father time, that number is going up by 1 every year that passes! Here’s where we can slow the aging curve though. We slow the aging process through fitness and taking care of the body you have. You and your joints might need more recovery time than you would have when you were in your 20’s, but that’s ok. We make sure that we allow for necessary recovery time. You don’t have to compete with young athletes in the gym. They recover quick!! Place focus on self- development. Aim to feel better than you did when you were younger.
As a Crossfit athlete, healthy, safe movement not only can extend lives, but also prevent the decline of functionality with age. “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.”
Are you ready to learn how to improve your fitness – regardless of age? Sign up for a Free New Member Consultation: https://kilo.gymleadmachine.com/widget/appointment/nikaathletics/free-intro
Already a member and want to discuss improving your performance? Talk to a coach about setting up a goal setting session.