This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Published in November 2016, this article originally appeared in Men's Health.
My new friend Andy invited me to join him and some friends at a local sports bar for dinner on a Thursday afternoon. I accepted, hoping to meet some of the guys from the new gym I had recently joined. The all-you-can-eat prime rib night was an added bonus.
By 7:30, the five of us were seated around a table devouring slabs of rare beef. Andy, a financial expert, Art, a retired urologist, Scott, from the dental industry, and John, an IT specialist with a medical lab, all looked fit, especially Art, who had the lean build of a Michael Phelps.
When I asked Art about his gym routine, he replied, 'I don't go to the gym much anymore. I own 10 acres of land, and taking care of that is my workout.'
As we continued to chat, John mentioned a winter storm from 2000, and the conversation turned into a friendly debate about the correct year. These four gentlemen, all over 60, would be my mentors for the week.
Initially, I was perplexed by the assignment to ditch my intense CrossFit routine and exercise with older folks. What could I possibly learn from men who couldn't even remember the last big blizzard?
However, as the evening progressed, I began to see the value in their approach. Scott, for instance, ordered an extra prime rib to split with his dog, demonstrating a unique perspective on portion control.
1. Be Social Once in a While ¶
I met Andy at Steel Fitness Premier, a big-box gym attached to an orthopedic center. He was the mayor of the place, shaking hands, saying hello, and catching up with everyone.
Health club mingling was a new experience for me. Usually, I exercised with headphones and avoided eye contact.
Andy introduced me to Jay, an orthopedist who suggested I straighten my arm out in front of me, palm up, like I'm asking for change, and with my other hand pull my fingers toward my body. This might help me avoid elbow pain from imbalances caused by doing too many reps.
As I continued to exercise, I met a guy who was doing a kettlebell carry while holding the kettlebell bottom up. He explained that this required a firmer grip and stabilized his shoulder.
Andy also interrupted a 70-something guy who was exercising harder than anyone else, doing mountain climbers at a savage pace. The man shared his secret to exercising into old age – picking activities that feel good.
Before I realized it, 90 minutes had passed. I had only exercised for a third of that time, but maybe the mayor was onto something.
For one workout a week, I might unplug, forget the clock, and actually talk to people. The friendships I formed and the tips I heard might keep me coming back for the long haul.
