As some of you may know, I’ve been dealing for quite some time with an ailing parent. It actually feels like I may have written a version of this exact same post before. The thing about chronic illness is that it can be around for a long, long time. There are ups and downs, and there have been many times throughout the years where we definitely thought, “This is it. We’re nearing the end.” You learn to be careful about giving warnings because when an unexpected recovery happens, you start to feel like the boy who cried wolf. Despite that, this time around truly appears to be the beginning of the end, and there are many feelings and reflections that come along with this process.
Something I’ve been thinking about a lot is the feeling of regret I now have over all the time I have wasted in my life trying to be or wishing I were a skinnier, unrealistic version of myself. All the energy wasted in picking apart the size of my arms or legs, the way I looked in photographs, or the cellulite I saw in the mirror. I regret even a single minute of feeling shame over a naturally stronger, athletic and muscular physical body or a single second of ever trying to take up less space in this world.
When you sit alongside a relative or loved one dealing with disease, oftentimes what you are faced with is the reality of what disease does to the body in the end. There’s usually little desire or ability to eat, muscle mass is greatly diminished, and the body is reduced to skin and bones. Loss of muscle results in immobility and a complete loss of independence. It is sobering to see someone in such a skeletal state and realize that you might have ever complained about your own healthy and strong body.
We are so lucky to have all the information that we have today about preserving our health and strength for the future. I don’t know about you, but when I look back at my parents’ lives when I was growing up, I don’t remember strength training ever being prioritized. And it’s plain to see how the lack thereof has played into issues with mobility today.
This isn’t meant to be a depressing commentary on regret. I am so glad that we have the access to wonderful coaches and training at Tradewinds Fitness where we prioritize holistic strength, health, mobility, and longevity for a prosperous and healthy life. We now know that putting in the work of resistance training and weightlifting today will help support our long-term strength and mobility in our old age. Friends, strength is the goal above all!
Our definition of strength may change over time. Right now we celebrate transitioning from 20 pound dumbbells to 25 pound dumbbell or increasing our stamina on the assault bike! But in old age, that could literally translate to the ability to sit up in bed or pick up one leg after the other to put on your own shoes!
I would love for all of us to take a moment to reflect on what our own life might look like in our 70s and 80s and beyond. What do you want your life and your activities to look like? What hopes do you have for your physical abilities and your mobility and your independence at that stage in life? And then go a step further and consider your physical ability now. What can you do to prioritize a consistent commitment to the gym? What can you say to yourself now that is kind and forgiving of your perfect, strong and able body?
We are laying the groundwork now for our future older selves. Make your older self proud and grateful of the sacrifices and commitment you make today!
Your future self is shaped by the choices you make today. If you’re ready to build strength that lasts a lifetime, we’d love to help you get started. Reach out to learn how Tradewinds Fitness can support your journey.
