The changes as men get older!
When you think of “change” as it relates to your aging, what are the things that come to mind?
For some, change can be exciting, while for others it may cause some fear. Some changes are good, and some are harder.
However one feels about change, it is an inevitable and necessary part of life, especially for the Christ-follower. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” What I love about this verse is that it speaks to the radical change that occurs in our lives when we become believers in Christ, so radical that we are called completely “new!”
That said, as men age, our bodies also start to change. As a fitness enthusiast who wants to help men reach their fitness goals, I have seen this both in myself and in those I work with.
It is a fact of life that numerous physical factors start to shift over time, and we need to be diligent in being able to adapt to these inevitable changes.
From my own personal experience, I have started to see a decline in my muscle mass. Statistics show that men’s muscle mass starts declining between the ages of 30-35 years old. However, there are changes men can make to combat the effects of time.
It is a fact of life that numerous physical factors start to shift over time, and we need to be diligent in being able to adapt to these inevitable changes.
Depending on your age, only minor adjustments need to be made to help in this area. I’ve found that incorporating more band workouts and body weight exercises is highly beneficial. Studies have shown that these types of exercises greatly increase muscle mass, including for those who have never worked out before. Low-impact exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, and lifting weights of one to two pounds also help improve and retain our muscle mass.
Our muscles are important, and so is our flexibility. If you’re like me, “stretching” hasn’t always been at the forefront of your mind. I would find every excuse in the book not to do it.
However, as I’ve gotten older, through stiffness and tension, my body has made it abundantly clear that I need to change my mindset and become more flexible. I started out with short stretching exercises, and over time, I have begun to love stretching and have seen the rewards of doing so.
To increase your flexibility, make sure to do both static and dynamic stretching before and after any type of physical exercise. Flexibility in general is vital for everyday life and overall health and well-being. As men age, we start to have more muscle tension and stiffness, and being more flexible helps with promoting relaxation.
Another area in which I have noticed a change as I get older is my lack of motivation to work out. When I was younger, I was so focused on lifting the most amount of weight possible. However, as I have gotten older, I have realized my motivation just isn’t at the same level.
Perhaps you feel like you’re in this stage currently, knowing what you need to do but lacking that drive to do it, and you wonder what you can do to change this?
Although I still lift weights, I have found great joy in playing more organized sports such as floor hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. There are leagues everywhere for all ages and skill levels.
What I enjoy about sports is not only the physical component of exercise but also the mental and relational side as well. Organized sports are social events, and I have made some great friendships by participating in these regular group activities. The team aspect is a great motivator to get up and get active. If you feel stuck and are looking for a change in your physical fitness regime, join a sports league!
As men take care of their bodies as we get older, we do it knowing that our bodies are part of who we are, and Jesus wants all of us. Although implementing change to our physical fitness is important, making any necessary changes in our relationship with Jesus is equally important! In Psalm 51:10, the Bible talks about the transformation of our hearts in the story of David when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Scripture teaches us that we need to let God be the primary reason for our hearts being changed while cooperating with Him through prayer, faith, and obedience, as both our inner and our outer selves are strengthened in Him.
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