To the Mature Lady at the Gym
SARCOPENIA – “Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process.” ~The Cleveland Clinic.
Hi,
You don’t know me but I want you to know that I SEE you. When we celebrated your birthday at the gym last week with additional squats, burpees and pushups, there was a point where I thought about coming over and chatting but I was afraid my tears would betray me.
You see, you are someone that gives me hope! You SHOW me that it is possible to stay active and fit at an age where so many are not. You are someone who proves it is possible to beat the natural process of aging where so many become weak. I can see in your face that you may not always feel that you are winning in the weight room… but are any of us really? The prize is what you have. The ability to continue. The ability to be able to do the work. To move in a meaningful way, for JOY. Where I am concerned, you have really already won.
This is all rather personal to me because my own mother (and my shining example in so many other arenas of my life) does not have the physical ability to workout. She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimers. Her mobility is limited, she uses a walker and a cane. It is not lost on me that she may be the same age as you. While my mother struggles to stay on her two feet, you are still running, throwing the medball and lifting the weights. What an amazing gift to see you continue to move your body, push in the gym and fight to keep muscle!
Thank you for being a shining example for me of what is possible. Age does not have to be the end of a fitness journey. In fact, if I am so lucky, I hope one day to be that example for someone else.
