It may be unspoken, but I think it is a common pursuit for those who are interested in living long and living well: that we are developing wisdom along the way. Wisdom may come in many ways. Through education, training, attention, experience, and reflection, to name a few.

I’ve had almost 50 years of a combination of all of these things regarding people and their bodies, giving me more than the average “body wisdom.” And yet I found myself in the past year with some things that weren’t responding so well to my “training program.” It meant more wisdom yet to come.

Like anyone else around my age, my body has its stories and signs of being used. Through my education and training, I know that our bodies begin to lose muscle strength at a faster rate past the age of 55 or so. And I know that physically, we can lose a lot more while recuperating from an injury, illness, or surgery in our later years.

But I also know that research demonstrates that adults beyond these ages have substantial potential to increase their strength with appropriate strength training.

Well, I had come off a significant injury to my thigh three years ago. I participated in a thorough rehab process, working formally with my own staff and doing diligent work on my own. At one year out, I didn’t feel like I had regained enough strength and balance to get back behind a ski boat. Determined not to let another summer go by without getting back on the horse, I committed to regular weight training to really max out my conditioning.

What a surprise it was to develop sore hips and a back that didn’t seem to be accommodating my regular commitment!

I ultimately backed off the weights and began to feel better. I likely put some inadvertent wear on my joints because of my program. I had a conversation with my friend and Clinical Director, Kate, who told me, “If you were working with a professional for this training, they probably would have changed up your program sooner.”

The lesson I knew in my head, but imperfectly applied, is that older bodies can definitely regain strength with appropriate programming. But it needs to be done with intention: on a lower gradient and with a much more gradual increase than a younger body can tolerate.

The message: Get professional training from people who are well-educated about the aging body, and stay connected.

Body wisdom – it comes to us in many ways.

Very Best Wishes,