Living Strong: My Journey to Aging in Motion
As I approach 68 (10/11), I feel and move better than I could have imagined at 20—or even 40. I’ve surprised myself by staying strong and moving better than I ever thought possible at this age.
Photo by Katie Dyer
The secret to my success? Variety. It’s the key ingredient that keeps my body guessing, adapting, and growing stronger every day. For me, training isn’t about sticking to a rigid routine. It’s about mixing things up—strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, rowing, and walking—so my mind and body stay engaged and constantly challenged. For fun, I’ll add rock climbing and hiking. I believe that variety is what truly fuels lifelong fitness.
I became a personal trainer in 2017 at 59 to help myself and others age in motion. Over the years, my methods have adapted as I’ve deepened my understanding of how the body ages and what it truly needs to thrive. Strength training is my non-negotiable foundation—it’s what keeps me strong, steady, and ready for anything. As a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist, I utilize yoga to balance stability (strength) and mobility. As a certified Tai Chi instructor, I train strength and balance through mindful movement.
The CDC recommends 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week, in addition to strength training. I find that too many people stick to walking and ignore resistance training. Let me inspire you with my routine:
I prioritize consistency with a 40-minute resistance training routine three times a week, paired with rowing to warm up. This combination keeps my muscles strong, my metabolism high, and my joints happy. I teach yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I teach Mat Pilates and complete a 4,000–5,000-meter rowing session. Rowing is my go-to choice for cardio as it trains both my heart and muscles. I grab a third rowing session over the weekend or a four-hour-plus hike.
Every session begins with a dynamic warm-up and ends with static stretching. I’ll soon be adding daily walks with my dog (leash-resistant work in progress), which will complement my rowing routine.
The real key to my success is body awareness. When I sit too long or feel tight, my body tells me—it’s a voice I never ignore. Like right now, as I’m writing this, I’m tuned into how my body feels, and I listen.
Training isn’t just about looking good. It’s about staying mobile and strong. It’s the difference between aging in motion and aging with limited mobility and pain. If you’re ready to start aging in motion, I’m here to help. Reach out if you’d like to work together: andrea@mighty.fit.